A Laser Device for Remote Vibration Measurement

A laboratory study has been made of concepts that utilize a laser for a vibration measurement device. The laser beam possesses the needed characteristics for a spatially directed carrier capable of detecting and transmitting vibration information to remote data processing equipment; furthermore, such a laser vibration measurement device can accomplish the measurement without mechanical contact with the structure under test. The measurement technique utilizes the Doppler shift produced on a wave reflected from a surface vibrating normal to the beam path. Several techniques are available for detecting the Doppler shift; optical heterodyne or homodyne detection and microwave subcarrier modulation methods are candidates for practical instruments. Preliminary results from laboratory experiments indicate Optical heterodyne detection to be the most practical method with present state-of-the-art equipment.