Michelson Interferometer - Fringe Shape

[cupid.callin]

Hi all

Edit: The reflecting side is the right side of left slab


Please look at the pic above ... The light from source splits at left slab and goes in 2 directions and come back to interfere.

From figure, it is obvious that path diff. in slabs for both rays is 0
and only path diff. would be because of the difference in distance of 2 mirrors from left slab, which is d

so, i found the path diff, as $\Delta = 2\mu d cos \theta \pm \frac{\lambda}{2}$

$\frac{\lambda}{2}$ as green ray is reflected by denser medium ...

But i need to know how the circular or straight fringes are formed and how it depends on alignment of M1 and M'2

Some help please ... :)

EDIT: μ would be the refractive index of stuff filled in whole system ... like air for example
and θ is incidence angle angle at slabs ... :}

 

[cupid.callin]

Some help please ?

 

[cupid.callin]

Oh come on, someone please help me !

 

[JimOlsen]

Perfectly parallel mirrors results in circles if the optics are clean. Else you get what appears to be straight lines but i believe they are just the edges of a circle.

 

[asteriatic]

I would like to provide a response to your question about the Michelson Interferometer and the formation of fringes. The Michelson Interferometer is a device used to measure small changes in distance or wavelength. It works by splitting a beam of light and then recombining it after it has traveled different paths, causing interference patterns to form. The fringes that are observed in the interferometer are the result of this interference.

In terms of the alignment of M1 and M'2, it is important to have them properly aligned in order to achieve the desired interference pattern. If the mirrors are not aligned correctly, it can result in a distorted or unclear fringe pattern. The circular or straight fringes are dependent on the alignment of the mirrors and the angle of incidence at the slabs.

Furthermore, the path difference between the two beams is crucial in determining the shape of the fringes. This path difference is affected by the refractive index of the medium between the mirrors, as well as the distance between the mirrors. By adjusting these parameters, the shape and spacing of the fringes can be manipulated.

I hope this helps to clarify how the fringes are formed and how they are affected by the alignment of the mirrors and the path difference. It is important to carefully consider these factors in order to accurately interpret the results from a Michelson Interferometer.