Digital holography for temperature investigations in space and transparent media

Abstract

The paper presents a method for investigating temperature fields in space and transparent media using off-axis digital holographic interferometry. This interferometric technique is particularly well-suited for measuring dynamically changing temperature fields due to its capability to automatically evaluate temperature from a single interferogram. The experimental validation of this technique involved measuring temperature variations within a burning candle's flame. To establish a reference point, an initial hologram was captured without a burning candle, followed by subsequent holograms during the burning process. This allowed the observation of changing refractive index gradient states in the surrounding air. The reconstruction of the complex amplitude facilitated the calculation of the distribution of phase changes. By establishing a relationship between phase changes, thermal coefficients of the air's refractive index, and temperature fluctuations, temperature measurements were achieved at these distinct states. The accuracy of the measurement was estimated to be less than 1 °C in our experimental setup, showing the high precision achievable with this technique. In summary, the paper offers analysis of digital holographic interferometry as a tool for temperature measurements in transparent media. Its potential applications extend to combustion studies, space exploration, atmospheric research, and various other scientific disciplines.