Additional Info

• ID Code: M2-02
• Purpose: Show white light fringes using a Michelson interferometer.
• Description:

  This experiment uses the laser and white light combination Michelson interferometer setup. Because alignment requires a laser, this demonstration will be delivered (and can be used) with a laser installed. White light from a bright point source is collimated by a condenser lens and passes through a heat filter directly into the interferometer. The light exiting the interferometer is focused onto a distant screen, providing a field about one foot in diameter, clearly visible over the entire lecture hall. The fringe colors can be seen to be negative colors, that is, complementary colors to the colors to the spectral colors which are eliminated by destructive interference.

  The photographs above show some of the color patterns using this interferometer.

  This demonstration is very sensitive to alignment and temperature, and is not recommended for routine classroom use.

• Availability: Available
• References: REFERENCES: (PIRA 6D40.10) See Demonstration Reference File for alignment procedure using a laser as well as a large number of articles dealing with thenwhite light Michelson interferometer.
• Loc codes: FS1