Michelson Interferometer

Akshar N Kumar,
-
IMS22264
-
Date of submission: 24/10/24

Course Instructor: Dr. Ravi Pant

Contents

1 Introduction 1
2 Abstract 1
3 Aim 1
4 Apparatus 1
5 Calibration 1
6 Calibration Constant 1
7 Theory 1
8 Procedure 2
9 Observations 2
9.1 Calibration Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
10 Refractive Index Calculation 2
11 Results 2 Figure 1. Apparatus
12 Error Calculation 2
13 Discussion 2 • Diode Laser with Power supply (Red and Green)

1. Introduction 5. Calibration
hy did the photon refuse to check a bag at the airport?
“W Because it was traveling light! But with a Michelson inter-
ferometer, it can still make waves!”
To calibrate the micrometer, we use a green laser (532 nm), as
it provides a clear pattern, and the mirror’s translation can be
accurately measured.

2. Abstract Insert the green diode laser module into the laser mount. Align the
laser with the interferometer, then turn the micrometer knob and
This study investigates the determination of light wavelength and
ensure the fringes move. Fix a position on the observing screen and
refractive index using a Michelson interferometer. By employing
note the micrometer reading. Begin counting the fringes, and note
the principle of interference, the experiment measures the fringe
the micrometer reading after 20 fringes have passed.
shifts produced when a beam of monochromatic light is split and
recombined after traversing different optical paths. The resulting
The wavelength 𝜆 is given by:
interference pattern allows for precise calculations of the wavelength
based on the observed fringe separation. Additionally, variations in 2𝑑
the refractive index of different materials are evaluated by analyz- 𝜆= ∆
𝑁
ing the shifts in the interference fringes when light passes through
where 𝑁 is the number of fringes counted, and 𝑑 is the micrometer
various media. The outcomes of this experiment enhance our under-
displacement.
standing of optical properties and validate the utility of the Michelson
interferometer in precision measurements.
6. Calibration Constant
3. Aim The calibration constant ∆ is calculated as:
The aim of this experiment is to determine the wavelength of the laser 𝜆
∆=
beam used and to find the refractive index of an unknown transparent (2𝑑∕𝑁)
material.
where 𝜆 is the known wavelength of the laser. The average calibration
constant obtained is ∆ = 0.0237.
4. Apparatus
• Optical Breadboard with Support 7. Theory
• Kinematic Laser Mount
• Beamsplitter Mount
• Mirror Mount with translation In a Michelson interferometer, a coherent light beam from a
• Mirror Mount with Precision Translation monochromatic source is split using a partially reflecting beam
• Rotation Stage splitter (BS). This creates two beams that are redirected by mirrors to
• Pressure Cell a screen where they interfere.
• White Screen with mount
• Beamsplitter For determining the wavelength:
• Mirror 2𝑑
• Glass Slide 𝜆= ∆
𝑁

Course: PHY-315 Indian Institute of Science Education & Research, TVM October 24, 2024 Report 1–2
 Michelson Interferometer

where 𝑁 is the number of fringes, 𝑑 is the mirror displacement, and

∆ is the calibration constant.

8. Procedure
1. Set up the interferometer using the red diode laser. 2. Obtain
the interference fringes and note the initial micrometer reading. 3.
Rotate the micrometer and count the number of fringes that pass
by. 4. Note the micrometer reading after counting 20 fringes and
calculate the wavelength using the given formula.

9. Observations
9.1. Calibration Table
Trial N Initial Read- Final Distance Calibration
(fringes) ing (mm) Read- Moved, Constant,
ing 𝑑 (mm) ∆
(mm)
1 20 4.66 4.44 0.22 0.0241 Figure 2. Signed Tables
2 20 5.00 5.22 0.22 0.0241
3 20 5.00 5.23 0.23 0.0231

Average Calibration Constant, ∆avg = 0.0237

• Calibration constant: ∆ = 0.0237

Trial N Initial Read- Final Read- Wavelength

ing (mm) ing (mm) (nm)
1 20 5.00 5.24 568
2 20 4.97 5.27 711
3 20 5.25 5.00 592.5
4 20 5.00 5.24 568
5 20 5.11 5.41 711

• Average wavelength: 𝜆 = 630.2 nm

10. Refractive Index Calculation

If a glass plate with thickness 𝑡 and refractive index 𝑛 is introduced
Figure 3. Signed Tables
into the interferometer, the path difference is modified as:
(2𝑡 − 𝑁𝜆)
𝑛= 13. Discussion
2𝑡(1 − cos 𝜃) − 𝑁𝜆
The Michelson interferometer experiment measured the wavelength
where 𝜃 is the angle for 𝑁 fringes. of a red laser and determined the refractive index of a glass slide.
The obtained values are accurate with a minimal percentage of error.
Trial N Angle Rotated (degrees) Refractive Index
The interferometer proves to be a precise tool for measuring small
1 20 10 1.53 changes in distances and optical properties.
2 20 10 1.53
3 20 10 1.53

11. Results
• Wavelength of the laser beam: 630.2 nm
• Refractive index of the glass slide: 𝑛 = 1.53

12. Error Calculation

For wavelength:
|𝜆 − 630|
Error percentage = × 100 = 0.031%
630
For refractive index:
|1.53 − 1.5|
Error percentage = × 100 = 1.96%
1.5

2 Course: PHY-315