Why do Michelson interferometer usually needs 2 mirrors?

AI Thread Summary
A Michelson interferometer typically requires two mirrors to effectively recombine the light beams after passing through the beamsplitter. The use of two mirrors allows for precise adjustments and alignment of the light source before it reaches the beamsplitter. This setup enhances the accuracy of interference patterns by ensuring that both beams travel equal distances. Adjusting only one mirror would not provide the necessary control for optimal interference. Therefore, the dual mirror configuration is essential for achieving reliable results in interferometric measurements.
Jerrynap
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I've been wondering this for quite some time. Why do a typical set-up of Michelson interferometer usually requires 2 mirrors? Why not one for adjustment? Why not just shine the laser through the beam splitter?

Thanks.
 
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You need two mirrors to recombine the beam after the beamsplitter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelson_interferometer
300px-Michaelson_with_letters.jpg
 
I meant the mirrors used to adjust the light source before the beamsplitter... Just like the set-up in this video by PHYWE (although I'm not using their equipment, but the set-up is almost identical)
 
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