M3-04.HTML
M3-04: MICHELSON INTERFEROMETER - SODIUM LIGHT

PURPOSE: Show the interference of sodium yellow light with a Michelson interferometer.

DESCRIPTION: This experiment uses a large sodium source with the Michelson interferometer to produce fringes. The pattern is not bright enough to project, so it is displayed for the class using TV. With the two optical paths very nearly equal, the two yellow lines are in phase and the interference pattern has very good definition. Adjust the moving mirror so that the path lengths are not equal to obtain less contrast in the pattern.

SUGGESTIONS:

REFERENCES: (PIRA unknown.)

EQUIPMENT: Michelson interferometer with sodium source, ground glass screen and TV camera with monitor.

SETUP TIME: 10 min.


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