Patent ID: 7088450
Filing Date: 2006-08-08
Classification: G01J

Abstract:
1. A method for measuring amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) content in a beam of light, the beam of light including a main-emission-line of amplified stimulated emission together with the amplified spontaneous emission, the method comprising the steps of: directing the beam of light into an interferometer; in the interferometer, directing first and second portions of the beam of light along first and second paths, said first and second paths having a different length; combining said first and second portions of the beam of light from said first and second paths on a third path such that said beam portions interfere to provide interference pattern comprising bright and dark fringes; measuring the light intensity of one or more of said bright fringes and in one or more of said dark fringes; and determining from said bright and dark fringe intensity measurements the ASE content of the beam of light.