Spatial-carrier phase-shifting technique of fringe pattern analysis

The spatial-carrier phase shifting (SCPS) technique that is related to both Fourier transform and phase-shifting methods of calculating the phase is analyzed. In this technique, a large amount of tilt is introduced into an interferogram, so that the phase difference between successive pixels equals (pi) /2. Three successive pixels are used to recover the phase using the adequate standard phase shifting formula. The detailed error analysis is presented. Examples of application of this method in conventional and moire interferometry, as well as in optical triangulation, are shown. As the SCPS technique requires a single frame only for phase calculation, it is capable of making high-speed measurements or performing testing in adverse environments.