Workshop on electronic speckle pattern interferometry

A RA1 workshop in conjunction with the International Symposium on Musical Acoustics (ISMA) at McGill University from June 18-22, 2017.

Information on the ISMA conference can be found here: https://isma2017.cirmmt.mcgill.ca/

thomasmoore1

Abstract

Electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) is an optical technique useful for visualizing deflection shapes of harmonically vibrating objects. This type of interferometer produces a contour map of the vibrating surface, and can provide a basis for a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the motion. ESPI is an especially useful technique for studying the motion of musical instruments, however, commercial ESPI systems are expensive and are often difficult to operate, making them an impractical purchase for most acoustic laboratories.

Participants in this workshop will learn how to build a simple and inexpensive electronic speckle pattern interferometer that can be used to image the deflection shapes of musical instruments. The workshop is intended for people with limited experience in optics, and the emphasis will be on keeping the complexity and costs to a minimum. Time will be allotted for participants to explore the capabilities and limitations of the interferometer, and some useful tricks will be discussed. 

Biography

Thomas Moore is the Archibald Granville Bush Professor of Natural Science at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He began studying the physics of musical instruments in 2000 following a career working primarily in research on lasers and optics. In the course of his research in musical acoustics he has developed several optical techniques for the study of vibrating systems, with an emphasis on designing simple low-cost methods that can be used for both education and research.