A phase-sensitive interferometeric broadband reflectometer includes an illumination
source for generating an optical beam. A beam splitter or other optical element
splits the optical beam into probe beam and reference beam portions. The probe
beam is reflected by a subject under test and then rejoined with the reference
beam. The combination of the two beams creates an interference pattern that may
be modulated by changing the length of the path traveled by the probe or reference
beams. The combined beam is received and analyzed by a spectrometer.