Velocimetry of fast surfaces at LLNL using Fabry-Perot interferometry

This report describes the use of the Fabry-Perot interferometer in the fringe mode to measure velocities of fast moving reflecting surfaces. The Doppler shift theory applicable to this situation is described. Formulae are derived for the analysis of the effects of shocked, dispersive, moving transparent media on velocity measurements, including expressions for the velocity of light in a moving medium with moving boundaries. The Fabry-Perot method is compared with other techniques such as VISAR interferometry. A standard configuration is described in detail. Methods of alignment, calibration, and operation are included. Several methods of analysis are compared. (JDH)