A geometric analysis of the probe volume in a dual beam laser Doppler velocimeter

The probe volume of the dual beam laser Doppler velocimeter is analyzed from a geometrical standpoint. The volume is graphically reconstructed and the existence of the characteristic dual beam laser Doppler velocimeter fringes is demonstrated. The fringes are analyzed and are shown to be composed of moving tubes or pockets of coherent radiation. The composition of the light is analyzed and the extent of the coherence of the laser radiation within the light pockets is considered. The scattered light from the tubes is analyzed and the coherence enhancement of the fringe structure is shown. This information is used in an attempt to resolve the controversy as to whether the dual beam laser Doppler velocimeter is governed by a fringe counting phenomena or by a beating phenomena of light from two sources of coherent radiation of different frequencies.