Study on key algorithm for scanning white-light interferometry

Abstract

Determining the location of the zero order fringes is one of the key aspects in scanning white-light interferometry. The measurement principle of the scanning white-light interferometry is introduced at first; then the location of the zero order fringes as calculated by four different algorithms; namely Weight-center, Phase-shift, Frequency Domain Analysis (FDA), and Coherent Correlation are compared. Finally, numerical simulations on random generated surfaces are done to reach conclusions by comparing and analyzing the results. The research is important in the understanding and development of white-light interferometry.