ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a basic introduction to holographic interferometry and how it is applied to surface measurements and deformations. It examines an overview of two of the most commonly used methods for generating an interference pattern: double exposure holography and real-time interference monitoring. Holographic interferometry is a method of comparing optical fields that are transmitted or reflected from an object. One or both of the waves used in forming the interference pattern are produced by the hologram. A variety of techniques have been developed for generating holographic interference patterns for different measurement applications. Double exposure holographic interferometry takes advantage of the multiplexing capability of holographic recording. The process of changing or shifting the phase and recording a set of holograms can be used to eliminate ambiguities in the holographic interferometry technique. Holographic interferometry is useful for measuring small changes in the surface of an object that may result from applying a force, changing the temperature, or wear.
