Parallelogram interferometer for Fourier spectrometers

The design of a miniature dynamic interferometer for a Fourier spectrometer is considered. The interferometer is constructed according to the classical Michelson layout. A movable flat mirror in one of the arms of the interferometer is moved using a parallelogram mechanism. A distinctive feature of this design is that almost the entire optical part of the interferometer is located inside this mechanism, which makes the interferometer very compact. A motor driving the motion of a movable mirror is described, in which the force is transmitted to the moving part through a magnetic field. The main advantages of the proposed interferometer are its low cost, easy assembly and alignment, and small size and weight.