Automatic Adjustments of a Michelson Interferometer Using Genetic Algorithms.

This paper describes automatic adjustment of a michelson interferometer using genetic algorithms. The michelson interferometer consists of optical components (such as mirrors, lens, and prisms) that must be physically positioned with micron-meter precision to obtain optimal performance. Therefore, it is very difficult to use an interferometer outside for environmental measurement such as air pollution, because outside use causes mis-alignment of optical components.In order to overcome this problem, we propose automatic adjustment method using genetic algorithms that realize the optimal and quick alignment of optical components of interferometer. We also develop new compact mirror holder that allows portable and on-site use of interferometer. We confirmed the advantage of this system by the comparison with conventional adjustment algorithms. The proposed interferometer including the new compact mirror holders has been successfully adjusted by genetic algorithm in three minutes. The quick adjustment time indicates the possibility that the system can be used for on-site measurement.