Optical correlation technique for characterizing of rough surfaces

Summary form only. It is known that power spectral density function, (PSDF), describing inhomogeneity distribution among different spatial frequencies is considered as preferable and the most comprehensive technique. But conventional profilometric techniques for reconstruction of PSDF are rather labor- and time-consuming and are implemented using expensive measuring equipment. In the report we will consider as example a new optical correlation measuring device for estimation of PSDF of slightly rough surfaces. Our device is based on polarization interferometer consisting of the tandem of two identical calcite wedges forming a plane-parallel plate, which are placed between the crossed linear polarisers.