Phase Retrieval of Phase-Shifting Interferometry with Iterative Least-Squares Fitting Algorithm: Experiments

We report our experimental results of phase-shifting interferometry with an iterative least-squares fitting technique to estimate both the wave front phases and the phase shifts. The method allows phase retrieval from phase-shifting interferograms even though the calibration data of the phase shifter is unknown. The algorithm is used to analyze two sets of experimental interferograms. One records by moving a piezoelectric transducer shifter randomly and therefore has embedded random phase shifter errors, and the other samples the interference movie recorded by a video recorder while driving a stepping motor and therefore has embedded random intensity noises. The results are comparable with that of the conventional M-frame algorithm. Investigation of the effects of the intensity noises and phase shift errors shows the algorithm to perform well in both. Problems such as convergence, unique solution and reliability are also discussed.