Phase knife-edge laser Schlieren diffraction interferometry with boundary diffraction wave theory

Within the framework of boundary diffraction wave theory it has been shown that the first bright fringe on either side of the central dark fringe of the phase knife-edge Fresnel diffraction pattern could be broadened to cover the whole field of view. Broadening of the first diffraction fringe, instead of conventionally modifying the spatial frequency spectrum, enhances the sensitivity of the Schlieren system. The use of phase knife-edge as viewing diaphragm in Schlieren diffraction interferometry not only enhances the fringe contrast but also avoids the loss in phase information as it lets through light from all parts of the test object and its thin interfacing makes the method suitable even for studying weak disturbances.