Investigations into a multiplexed fibre interferometer for on-line, nanoscale, surface metrology

Current trends in technology are leading to a need for ever smaller and more complex featured surfaces. The techniques for manufacturing these surfaces are varied but are tied together by one limitation; the lack of useable, on-line metrology
instrumentation. Current metrology methods require the removal of a workpiece for characterisation which leads to machining down-time, more intensive labour and generally presents a bottle neck for throughput.

In order to establish a new method for on-line metrology at the nanoscale investigation are made into the use of optical fibre interferometry to realise a compact probe that is robust to environmental disturbance. Wavelength tuning is combined with a dispersive element to provide a moveable optical stylus that sweeps the surface. The phase variation caused by the surface topography is then analysed using phase shifting interferometry.

A second interferometer is wavelength multiplexed into the optical circuit in order to track the inherent instability of the optical fibre. This is then countered using a closed loop control to servo the path lengths mechanically which additionally counters external vibration on the measurand. The overall stability is found to be limited by polarisation state evolution however.

A second method is then investigated and a rapid phase shifting technique is employed in conjunction with an electro-optic phase modulator to overcome the polarisation state evolution. Closed loop servo control is realised with no mechanical movement and a step height artefact is measured. The measurement result shows good correlation with a measurement taken with a commercial white light interferometer.