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Mach-Zehnder Interferometer

The document outlines an experiment using Mach-Zehnder interferometry to demonstrate the wave nature of light and the concept of 'which-path' information. It details the setup, apparatus, observations, and results, highlighting how interference patterns can be manipulated through polarization. The findings confirm quantum mechanical principles, suggesting the experiment's value for educational purposes in studying interference and polarization.

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Shaheer Khan
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13 views

Mach-Zehnder Interferometer

The document outlines an experiment using Mach-Zehnder interferometry to demonstrate the wave nature of light and the concept of 'which-path' information. It details the setup, apparatus, observations, and results, highlighting how interference patterns can be manipulated through polarization. The findings confirm quantum mechanical principles, suggesting the experiment's value for educational purposes in studying interference and polarization.

Uploaded by

Shaheer Khan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mach-Zehnder

Interferometry
Erasure of ‘Which-Path’ Information
Introduction
Demonstrates the wave nature of
light

Explores interference patterns in


optical systems

Observes how interference can


disappear under certain
conditions

Investigates methods to erase


and recover interference
Apparatus
• Optical breadboard
• HeNe laser with mount, HR020,
Thorlabs
• Silver mirrors, ME1-P01, Thorlabs
• Non polarizing beam splitters,
BS013, Thorlabs
• Linear polarizers, LPVISE100-A,
Thorlabs
• Convex lens f = 25:4 mm, LA1027,
SETUP
• Place the laser in a corner, parallel
to a row of holes.
• Position mirror (M1) in the laser
path and center the beam.
• Use a card/paper for better beam
visibility.
• Rotate mirror to align the reflected
beam parallel.
• Ensure beams are perpendicular for
accuracy.
SETUP
Position a beam splitter B1 between
the laser and the mirror M1.
Adjust its position until the laser
beam is centered on the beam
splitter.
Rotate the beam splitter so that the
beam aligns parallel to a row of
holes.
Use Iris for proper alignment.
SETUP
Place the expansion lens ( mm) behind
the laser.
Use the fine adjustments on the
mirrors.
Overlap beams precisely until
interference patterns are visible.
Place the three polarizing filters as
shown in (next) figure.
Complete Setup
OBSERVATIONS

• Fringes disappear when P1 and P2 are crossed


(orthogonal polarization).
• Fringes reappear when P1 and P2 are parallel or
anti-parallel, confirming interference.
• Fringe contrast varies with P2 angle, showing a
dependence on polarization alignment.
• Which-path information prevents interference,
aligning with quantum mechanical principles.
OBSERVATIONS
OBSERVATIONS

• P1 and P2 are crossed, so fringes disappear.


• P3 is placed before the screen and rotated (0°–
360°, 30° steps).
• Fringes reappear at 45° and 135° → Which-path
information is erased.
• Fringes remain washed out at 90° and 270° →
Partial path information exists.
• Fringe contrast follows a sinusoidal pattern,
confirming quantum erasure.
OBSERVATIONS
RESULTS
• Interference fringes
analyzed using ImageJ.
• Intensity profiles extracted
by measuring pixel
brightness variations.
• Periodic intensity peaks
and valleys observed,
confirming fringe
formation.
• Fringe contrast compared
at different polarizer
angles.
CONCLUSION
S
• In the first part we have observed which path
information
• In the second part we did quantum erasure.
• Used Imagej software to analyze fringes.

This experiment would be a valuable addition


to department’s lab, enabling students to
study interference, polarization, and which-
path information.
Thank you!
Do you have any questions?

Shaheer Khan & Maryam


Mukhtar

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