Interferometer Definition and 162 Threads

I've been doing some working with a michelson interferometer, specifically finding the refractive index of a glass block. I am given this eqn: n = (2t-ML)(1-cos)/ (2t (1 - cos) - mL) Where n is the refractive index of the glass M is number of fringes passing I have left the thetas out...

Hello, . I have got a Michelson interferometer and measure a laser beam (HeNe @ 633nm). I move the mirror with a step motor of unknown step length and measure the intensity of the beam. I get a nice beat pattern out of that, with "wavelength" of the carrier wave being 14 steps and of the...

Hey guys, I did the PASCO lab on the interferometer the other day and just have a problem that I wouldn't mind knowing what caused it. here is the link to the PASCO lab manual: http://www.nhn.ou.edu/~johnson/Education/Juniorlab/Optics/Pasco_Interferometers.pdf Just in case you want to...

I would assume there are experimental attempts to use an MMx type interferometer to check out some of the questions that are debated about photons in a G field. For example, if we have a single leg interferometer (no back and forth reflections to gain a greater effective length) and set it up...

Hi, I conducted an experiment with the Michelson Inteferometer to obeserve white light fringes but I cannot explain the presence of a central black fringes. I understand a phase shift of pi is introduced in one of the beams but where/how does this shift occur? thanks

Hello, I have a few questions about this interferometer setup, see attached picture. The beamsplitters are 50/50 and the setup is symmetric. initial |i> first beamsplitter, where U is unitary and represents the beamsplitter. U|i> = 1/sqrt(2)( |u> + exp(ix)*|d> ) second beamsplitter, A...

This is actually a copy of a thread I put in the Relativity forum because I figured interferometry was something of importance in that area but because the question is somewhat strange and might require direct experience I thought I'd copy it in here as well to see if someone might know...

Please correct me if/where I'm wrong in my understanding of the following (laymans terms) explanation and question: A michelson interferometer like used in 1887 works off a basic principle of having the same beam of light arrive at the same place slightly behind/ahead of itself. We are able...

Hi all, I've made a Michelson Interferometer with 635 HeNe, and I get nice, contrasty fringes. I have one problem - I cannot get the bright spot in the middle to turn dark! The intensity it has is like bright and brighter, but never dark. Any ideas why? The intensity of the two beams are...

Can anyone explain the following to me; what is phase difference and coherence? what actually is diffraction and why does it happen (is it something to do with Huygens principle?) why do you observe circular fringes when using the Michelson interferometer your help is much...

I have been thinking about building an interferometer (similar to the Albert-Michelson experiment)for my physics project to prove that the speed of light in vacuum is always constant. Are there any references that I can relate to building an interferometer?

how can you tell whether the interference fringes are moving in or out as you change the distance between the mirrors by rotating the knob clockwise or counterclockwise. say if the circular fringes are moving toward the center of the screen than in what direction the knob is being rotated. my...