Spectral composition of low-coherence interferograms at high numerical apertures

Abstract Interference signals in coherence scanning interferometry at high numerical apertures and narrow bandwidth illumination are spectrally broadened. This enables phase analysis within a spectral range much wider than the spectral distribution of the light emitted by the light source. Consequently, different surface features can be resolved depending on the wavelength used for phase analysis of the interference signals. In addition, the surface topography itself affects the spectral composition of interference signals in different ways. Signals related to tilted surfaces or step height structures show special spectral characteristics. Thus, spectral amplitude and phase analysis enables a better understanding of the underlying physical mechanisms and gives hints how to improve the measurement accuracy