Michelson Interferometry | PhysLab

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Michelson Interferometry

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Student Manual

Michelson Morley’s interferometer together with Einstein’s theory of relativity helped in abandoning the concept of ether in the classical experiment performed in 1887. Since then, interferometers are used for many purposes, e.g., one of the most exciting and grand goals is measuring gravitational waves. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), is a collaborative project of American universities aimed at detecting waves of gravitational origin.

The goal of the current experiment is to familiarize students with the Michelson Interferometer. It introduces optical components like beam splitters, translation, and rotational stages, lenses and highlights important concepts in wave interference. Michelson interferometer is used for measuring the laser wavelength and finding the refractive index of glass.

Sample Results Concentric Circular fringes in Michelson Interferometer
Plot in between fringes passed versus rotation angle (degrees)
Michelson Interferometry by Anoosha Fayyaz
Hardware Manual T-cube DC servo motor driver
Experiment Code 2.9
Version 10 October 2012

Further Readings and References

  • Light: Principles and Measurements
    McGraw-Hill, Monk, , 376, (1937).
  • Measurement of refractive index using a Michelson interferometer
    Phys. Educ, J.J. Fendley, 17, 209, (1982).
  • Optics
    Pearson Education, Eugene Hecht, chapter. 9, 407, (2002).
  • The index of refraction of glass
    Precision Interferometer, PASCO Scientific, , , , .
  • The Michelson Interferometer
    University of Central Oklahoma, , , , (2003).
  • Investigations of Light with a Michelson Interferometer
    Applied & Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Jeremy Ong, , 1, (April 5, 2010).
  • Using a Michelson Interferometer to Measure Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Copper
    The Physics Teacher, Ryan Scholl, and Bruce W. Liby, 47, 316, (2009).

Pictorial Procedure

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Lab 2 . Optics Lab | Tags: optics
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Overview
    • Centre for Experimental Physics Education (CEPE)
    • Physlab Team
    • Physlab Guidebook
    • Alumni
    • Open Positions
    • Muhammad Sabieh Anwar (Personal)
  • Academics
    • Lab Courses
    • Lab-I (PHY 100/200)
    • Lab-II (PHY 300/500)
    • AstroLAB
    • Ibn Sahl Corner for Optics
    • Fast Optics
    • Smart Physics
    • Single Photon Quantum Mechanics Lab
    • Chasing Cosmic Ray Muons at Physlab
    • Stories
    • Physics Studio
    • Research Stories
    • Class Activities
    • Courses Taught
    • Class Demonstrations
    • PhysDiary
    • Health and Safety
    • Lab Safety
    • Workplace Organization
  • Research
    • Research Themes
    • Research Internships
    • Research Stories
    • Physics WorldCup
      • International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) 2019
      • International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) 2018
      • International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) 2016
    • Hunerkada
    • Grants
    • Theses and Reports
    • Scientific Publications
    • Invited Talks (Selected)
  • Outreach
    • The Scientific Mind Through the Eyes of a Physics Experimenter
    • National Laboratory Immersion Program
      • First Lahore 2012
      • Second Sukkur 2013
      • Third Lahore 2014
      • Fourth Lahore 2016
    • Labview Workshop 2016
    • Open House
    • Khwarizmi Science Society
    • Helping Pakistan’s Universities
      • National University of Technology (NUTECH) 2019
      • Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences
        (PIEAS) 2019 (Final Phase)
      • Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences
        (PIEAS) 2019 (Phase 2)
      • Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences
        (PIEAS) 2018 (Phase 1)
      • National University of Science & Technology 2016
      • Habib University 2014
      • Preston University 2013
      • Ghulam Ishaque Khan Institute of
        Engineering Sciences and Technology 2011
      • Institute of Space Technology 2010
    • The National STEM School
      • STEM School (2018 – 2019)
      • STEM school (2016 – 2017)
    • Abdus Salam Memorial Lecture Series
  • Facilities
    • Laboratories
    • Equipments
    • Devices & Softwares
      • PhysPlot
      • Physlogger
      • Phystrack
    • Mechanical Workshop
    • Inventory
    • 3D Printed Galleria
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    • Equipment Howto’s
  • Media
    • Videobytes
    • YouTube Channel
    • Visitors
    • Testimonials
  • Contact Us