Measurement of the spectral dispersion curves of low birefringence polymer fibres

A method is suggested to overcome the difficulties of measuring the spectral dispersion of low birefringence fibres, that produce small optical path difference, δ<3λ, where δ is the optical path difference and λ is the wavelength of light used. This method depends on variable wavelength interferometry (VAWI). The suggested method is used to measure the spectral dispersion of birefringence of polypropylene fibre with a draw ratio 4 (low birefringence fibre). This method is also used to measure the spectral dispersion of birefringence of a polyester staple from ICI (high birefringence fibre). Also, the conventional VAWI method is used to measure the spectral dispersion of this fibre to confirm the results obtained by the suggested method. Microinterferograms are given for illustration.