Polarization Interferometers for Infrared Spectrometry

Abstract Principles and applications of interferometers based on polarization division of incoming light are described in this article. The applications of interferometers include polarization division of incoming light using either a Wollaston prism or a wiregrid beamsplitter. The interferometers with wiregrid beam splitters utilizing flat mirrors are referred to as polarizing Michelson interferometers; those utilizing roof‐top mirrors are referred to as Martin–Puplett interferometers; and those utilizing cube corner mirrors are referred to as polarization division interferometers with cube corner mirrors. There are distinct advantages offered by each of these interferometers, which hopefully will renew interest in developing commercial products.