Technical data

Michelson interferometer - High Resolution

Article no: P2220911

Principle

With the aid of two mirrors in a Michelson arrangement, light is brought to interference. While moving one of the mirrors, the alteration in the interference pattern is observed and the wave length of the laser light determined.

Benefits

Learn about the measurement principle with which gravitational waves can be observed
Assemble your own interferometer using individual optical components
Find out that even lasers have limited coherence length

Tasks

Construction of a Michelson interferometer using separate components.
The interferometer is used to determine the wavelength of the laser light.
The contrast function K is qualitatively recorded in order to determine the coherence length with it.

Learning objectives

Interference
Wavelength
Diffraction index
Speed of light
Phase
Virtual light source

Scope of delivery

Optical base plate 450 x 600 mm	08750-00	1
YAG Laser green, 1 mW, 532 nm for component holder	08767-99	1
Surface mirror 30 x 30 mm	08711-01	4
Accesory set for optical base plate	08750-50	2
Beam splitter 1/1, non polarizing	08741-00	1
Lens made of glass, biconvex, f = + 20 mm	08059-00	1
Component holder	08043-00	2
Screen, white, 150x150 mm	09826-00	1
Interferometer plate with precision drive	08715-01	1
Photoelement	08734-00	1
PHYWE Digital multimeter, 600V AC/DC, 10A AC/DC, 20 MΩ, 200 µF, 20 kHz, −20°C…760°C	07122-00	1
Measuring tape, l = 2 m	09936-00	1
Adjusting support 35 x 35 mm	08711-04	4
Ring for component holder	08044-00	2