OXP-11 Interferometer  

Topics

Michelson Interferometer
Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
Interference
Coherence
Wavelength of Light


Examples of Investigation and Measurement

Interference pattern
The two beams of the Michelson Interferometer are carefully aligned to achieve interference fringes on the screen. The optimal alignment is achieved when the linear stripes turn to a homogeneously illuminated area which flickers more or less intensive. Inserting a lens in one arm of the interferometer leads to circular interferences.

Gas cuvette
In one path of the Mach-Zehnder Interferometer a gas cuvette is inserted. Since the index of refraction of gasses is strongly dependent on the gas pressure the change of the interference pattern is measured as a function of the pressure. By changing to another gas the specific index of refraction for this gas is determined.

Fringe counting
When moving one mirror by turning the pitch screw of the translator the interference pattern will €śwalk€ť. Observing a fixed position on the screen the fringes passing by this point can be counted and compared to the measured translation of the mirror.
 
 


Required Equipment

Cat. No.     Qty.     Description
02.0200      1        Profile rail, 200 mm
02.0300      1        Profile rail, 300 mm
02.0500      1        Profile rail, 500 mm
02.1022      1        Screen holder, carrier 25
02.1530      1        Carrier cross-piece
02.1602      1        Optical screen, 80x65, scale
02.2126      2        Mounting plate, click 25, carrier 20
02.6106      1        Adjustment holder, 4 axes, carrier 20
04.0071      1        Biconcave lens f=-10 mm, 7, click 25
05.0224      1        DIMO 532 (green), HC
07.0206      1        Active power supply LDD-05
09.1848      1        Beam expander x 2.7
09.2110      1        Mach-Zehnder beam splitting assembly
09.2130      1        Mach-Zehnder beam combining assembly 
09.2150      1        Gas cuvette assembly