Integrated microlaser displacement sensor

A new integrated optical microlaser displacement sensor that includes a Michelson interferometer was developed and its feasibility as a measurement device was confirmed. The sensor can measure the relative distance travelled against an outside reflective mirror. The measurement resolution is expected to be of the order of 0.01 μm. Its dimensions are 2.0 mm by 1.6 mm. Therefore, the displacement sensor itself can be moved at high speed because its inertia is extremely small and can be incorporated into a microstage and microsystem.