6D40.10 Michelson Interferometer

Pattern produced by interference of light beams traveling in perpendicular directions can be seen.

Version shown not available pending repairs.

Setup Requirements: Use as visual aid in describing Michelson-Morley experiment. A better version is sometimes available from advanced lab. Ask ahead of time.This device can take some time to adjust. Students will have to come up and look in device. Dark room needed.

Equations: If the movable mirror is moved a distance x, then the wavelength = 2x/m where m is number of fringes that move past a point as the mirror is moved.

Safety Issues: Laser. Fragile optical device.