A polarization sensitive interferometer: Delta interferometer

A new type of polarization sensitive interferometer is proposed, named the Delta interferometer, inspired by its geometry resembling the Greek letter Delta. The main difference between the Delta interferometer and other existing interferometers, such as Michelson, Mach–Zehnder and Young’s double-slit interferometers, is that the two interfering paths are asymmetrical in the Delta interferometer. The visibility of the first-order interference pattern observed in the Delta interferometer is dependent on the polarization of the incidental light. Optical coherence theory is employed to interpret this phenomenon and single-mode continuous-wave laser light is employed to verify the theoretical predictions. The theoretical and experimental results are consistent. The Delta interferometer is a perfect tool to study the reflection of electromagnetic fields in different polarizations and may find applications in polarization-sensitive scenarios.