Method to improve the resolution of a non-parallel Fabry–Perot etalon

A new method to improve the resolution of a slightly non-parallel solid etalon is proposed. The method is aimed to reduce the spectrum broadening caused by non-parallel surfaces; it contains a theoretical formula for adjusting image distances, and an algorithm for processing the corresponding fringe patterns. Theoretical consideration, computer simulation, experimental results, and application demonstration are given. The fringe patterns captured by a CCD showed good agreement with the computer simulation, and the resolution of a λ/10-wavefront-error etalon was improved from 3.1 GHz to 0.51 GHz. In comparison with other methods, this new method is convenient and economical.