An automated self-marking phase-shifting system for measuring the full field phase distribution of interference fringe patterns

A technique based on the repetition of the interference fringe pattern for the automated marking of the PZT phase shifting interference system is described. A closed-loop control is used to circumvent the inherent hysteresis and nonlinear characteristics of PZT. The whole interference system integrated under LabVIEW graphic programming environment provides users a friendly and ease-of-maintenance interface. An application of the algorithm is used to demonstrate the promotion of the Zygo GPI-LC model interferometer to upgrade its phase resolution ability.