Patent ID: 7483145
Filing Date: 2009-01-27
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
1. A back-end assembly for use with a front-end assembly in acquiring phase-shifted interferograms, comprising, in combination: a beamsplitter configured to receive an incidental beam and to output at least three exit beams; and at least three imaging modules, each imaging module positioned to receive a respective exit beam, and each module having a quarter wave plate a polarizer and an image sensor, wherein the beamsplitter is configured to define substantially equal path distances for all said exit beams that reach an imaging module, wherein each imaging module is configured such that each said respective exit beam encounters said quarter wave plate and said polarizer so as to form an interferogram on said image sensor, and wherein each polarizer of a respective imaging module has a different rotation orientation from polarizers of said other imaging modules for acquiring said phase-shifted interferograms.