The new laser Doppler accelerometer for shock and vibration measurement

This paper describes the invention of an entirely new interferometric transducer for remote measurement of vibration acceleration. Compared to Laser Doppler Velocimetry, the device will offer more straightforward operation for the engineering user by incorporating an optical configuration in which path lengths are inherently matched. The Laser Doppler Accelerometer will complement use of piezo-electric accelerometers in all situations where noncontact operation is necessary but its most important applications lie beyond the working range of piezo-electric accelerometers where extremely high accelerations or high shocks are encountered.