Description
The interferometer is a versatile instrument which has played a central role in many developments in physics. Its uses include measurements of fine and hyperfine structure in atomic spectra, precision measurements of the velocity of light, studies of isotope shift and nuclear structure. It has contributed to recent work in remote sensing, optical bistability, plasma physics, atomic physics, light scattering spectroscopy and astrophysics. This study of the Fabry-Perot interferometer provides a brief overview of its history, examines its applications and gives practical advice on how to use the instrument. The text features many schematic diagrams of instrument configuration, illustrations of results and an extensive list of references. This book should be of interest to spectroscopists in phsyics, chemistry, astronomy, planetary and space science, laser physics, engineering and metrology, offering material of direct instructional benefit whilst giving a broader perspective to experienced practitioners.
