Single-path interferometer for measuring fluid flows in real time with low-quality optics

An interferometric concept based on a modified version of the Fabry–Perot interferometry is proposed for measuring flow fields in real-time and some results are presented for demonstration. Being based on a single-path configuration of interfering beams, it is very convenient to build a simple compact measurement system. While allowing the deployment of low-quality optics including test-section windows through compensation of system errors, it is also immune to external vibration. In addition, it can easily allow large aperture and long pathlength of probing beams with good precision. These aforementioned features are very appropriate for measuring large flow fields including wind tunnel testing as well as conducting laboratory experiments without elaborate equipment.