Instruction Manual and
INDOSAW-SK025/SK079
Experimental Setup for
Michelson Interferometer
SKO25/SK079
Introduction
Interferometers are basic optical tools used to precisely measure wavelength, distance, index of
refraction, and temporal coherence of optical beams. The most important of the amplitude splitting
interferometers is the one devised by Albert Michelson, the first American physicist to receive the Nobel Prize
(1907 for work in optics). It is this interferometer which Michelson and Morley used in their celebrated series of
experiments designed to demonstrate the existence of the ether. The Michelson interferometer is still an
important instrument in today's laboratories and has become widely used instrument lor measuring the
wavelength of light, for using the wavelength of a known light source to measure extremely small distance and
for investigating optical media.
The Michelson interferometer uses light interference to measure distances in units of the wavelength of
light from a particular source. It was developed by Albert Michelson and used, in 1893, to measure the standard
meter in units of the wavelength of the red line in the cadmium spectrum. Contemporary uses include precision
mechanical measurements and Fourier transforms spectroscopy. There are, in general, a number of types of
optical instruments that produce optical interference. These instruments are grouped under the generic name of
interferometers.
The INDOSAW- SKO25 Michelson interferometer causes interference by splitting a beam of light into
two parts. Each part is made to travel a different path and brought back together where they interfere according
to their path length difference and measure wavelength of monochromatic light source precisely.
Equipmentand Technical Specifications
Apparatus: SK025/SKO79
Key Features:
Precise measurement, mirror control is extremely fine and the micrometer with least count of 0.0001
mm.
Heavy base for high stability and vibration free experiment.
The mirrors and beam splitter are extremely flat to /10 and with high quality silver polish for sharp and
better interference.
Smooth mirrormovement withleversystem.There is no friction and virtually no backlash.
Cat.No. Item Name Qty
SW933 Michelson Interferometer
R3891 He-Ne Laser, 2mW(Built in powersupply)
SBI39 Microscope Objective
SL226 | Object Screen
SW655 LabJack
C4356 Holder for Microscope objective
SGIOI Stand Base Cylindrical' Shaped
SW933-Michelson Interferometer:
Consisting of heavy base with mirror MI and M2, beam splitter, compensating plate. It can be used with sodium
light source or He-Ne laser.
Base dimension 290x212x168 mm
Distance of mirror M2 from beam splitter 100mm
Dimensions of beam splitter 50 x 38 x7 mm
Dimensions of compensating plate 50 x 38 x 7 mm
Dimensions of mirrors MI and M2 30mm dia,
Thickness1Omm
50: 50
Reflectivity: Transmitivity
Flatness of beam splitter 1/10
Least count (coarse adjustment knob) 0.01 mm
Least count (fine adjustment knob) 0.0001 mm
6.7 kg approx
Weight
He-Ne LASER:
It is a He-Ne laser with in built power supply. It can be mounted on rod or can be placed on a lab jack (SW655).
Laser tube
Wavelength 632.8 nm
Working current 4mA 6mA
Output power 2mW
Contour dimension (Outer diameter x length) 40 mm x 250 mm
Continuous working time 8 hrs.
Working Power
AC 220 V + 22 V
Voltage Rating
Frequency Rating 50 Hz
Input Power Rating <2 W
Ground connection Not Required
Contour Dimension (I xbxh) 300x62x82 mm
Weight 1.5 kg (approx.)
The Michelson interferometer is a
Theoryof Operation
device that produces interference between two beams of light. A
diagram of the apparatus is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
Mrar Ajustmert9rens
Adustabe Mrgr M
Campersating Rate
Beamqitter
HeNe Laser
Moosapicdtjedive
Fbed Mroe M 1
Vening Saeen
The basic operation of the interferometer is as follows. Light from a light source is split into two parts.
One part of the light travels a different path length than the other. After traversing these different path lengths,
the two parts of the light are brought together to interfere with each other. The interference pattern can be seen
on a screen.
Light from the source strikes the beam splitter (BS). The beam splitter allows 50% of the radiation to be
transmitted to the fixed mirror M1. The other 50% ofthe radiation is reflected to the translatable mirror M2. The
compensator plate C is introduced along this path to make each path have the same optical path length when MI
and M2 are the same distance from the beam splitter. After returning from M1, 50% of the light is reflected
toward the frosted glass screen. Likewise, 50% of the light returning from M2 is transmitted to the glass screen.
At the screen, the two beams are superposed and one can observe the interference between them.
the beam splitter only once,
notice that one beam passing through
Note:- Compensating Plate: Above figure, light source is used,
times. If a highly coherent and monochromatic
while other beam passes through it three white light source this is a problem.
But with other light source such as
such as a laser, then this is no problem. thereby decreasing the coherence
beams is increased,
diference in the effective path length of the separated
(The but without the reflective
is identical to the beam splitter,
of the beam at the viewing screen.) A compensator beams pass through same thickness of glass,
beam path, as shown in figure, both
coating. By placing in the
eliminating this problem.
Set-upand Operation
(View 3)
Compensating plate Beam splitter
Fixed mirror Mirror adjustment screws
M2
(View 1) (View 1)
Movable mirror
Mirror adjustment screws M1
Telescope-
Screen holding clip
Coarse Adjustment Knob Fine Adjustment knob
L.C. 0.01mm L.C. 0.0001mm
(View 2) (View 4)
Michelson Interferometer
(View 2) (View 3) (View 4)
(View 1)
Viewing from different angles
How to Get Circular Fringes:
1. Set the Michelson Interferometer on lab table with coarse adjustable knob pointing towards you.
2. Set the lab jack in front of microscopic objective holder and set the height using lifting knob.
3. Place the He-Ne Laser source on lab jack, pointing the source towards the centre of fixed mirror.
4. Plug-in the laser cord on AC 220V, 50Hz socket.
5. Turn the laser on and adjust the laser beam
height using lab jack lifting
approximately parallel with the top of the interferometer and strikes the fired
knob until the h
that the beam is mirror in the centre.
parallel with the base, place a piece of paper in the (T is
flush against the base. Mark the beam path, with the
height the beam on the paper. Using the piece of paper to
of edge of the na
beam height is the same at both ends of
the interferometer.) check thatpaper
the
6. Set the
viewing screen just opposite of the adjustable mirror M2 to get the laser beam
Viewing screen should be placed at 1-2meter from the adjustable mirror to get better field view. (Note:
7. To get circular
fringes, M1 should be exactly perpendicular to M2. In this resolution).
interferometer is said to be in normal adjustment. The setting needs that the
position, Michelson
angle (45°) between the polished surfaces of M1 &M2. plane
of BS
exactly bisects the
8. Using coarse adjustment knob makes the distance of M 1 and M2
from BS nearly equal. (The distance of
MI and M2 from BS should not be
exactly equal;
otherwise the field of view on viewing screen will be
dark).
M2
BS
C
He-Ne
XXL
H-
Microscopic Objective
M1
Viewing Screen
Figure
9. When laser beam will be passing through
beam splitter (BS) at 45° and observed in the direction M2,
four spots of the He-Ne Laser beam are seen on the viewing screen; two of which are faint and two are
intense as shown in figure. The faint spots are due to reflection from un-silvered surface of BS and then
from MI and M2 respectively. The intense spots are due to reflection from silvered surface of BS and MI,
M2. (Note: Two spots of He-Ne laser beam
also been seen on the viewing screen
other
than four spots, which are ignorable.
Because these two spots are formed
through compensating plate).
10. The tilting screws at the back of
M1
and M2 as shown in fig. are adjusted to
obtain
only two images as shown in fig. This
happens only when the mirrors MI and
M2
are exactly perpendicular to each other.
5
M2
BS
He-Ne
Microscopic Objective
M1
Viewing Screen
Figure 7
11. Now Place the Microscope
12. Adjust the height of the
Objective Microscopic objective holder.
in
microscope objective so that clear circular fringes are obtained on viewing
Screen.
13. Make fine adjustments of mirrors MI and M2
fringes in the viewing screen.
using top tilting screws to obtain concentric circular
Determination of wavelength of He-Ne laser light source
The circular fringes are obtained as already
explained.
1. Move the mirror M2 using fine
adjustment knob as shown in figure8. The
fringes appear or disappear in the field of view. (Always move the
knob in one
direction for precise measurement.)
2. Note down the reading of coarse
adjustment knob. Let is be m. Multiply
this reading with least count 0.01mm.
3. Take the reading of fine adjustment knob. Let it be 'n'.
Multiply this
reading with least count 0.0001mm
4. Now add the above two readings of coarse and fine
knobs. Let it be L1.
adjustment
5. Rotate the fine adjustment knob to count the number of fringes appearing or disappearing. Let it be N.
6. Note the observations as already explained in (c) & (d). Let it be L2.
7. Subtract LI from L2 to get the value of'd' for 'm' fringes.
8. Use the formula to calculate the value of d.
Note: Experiment can also be performed using a Sodium light Source.
Experiment
Experiment: To determine the wave length of monochromatic light source i.e He-Ne Laser source using
Michelson Interferometer.
Formula used: Wavelength of monochromatic light is calculated by the relation
.2d/m
Where, d is the distance moved by the screw for the shift of m number of fringes.
Mirror Adjustment Screws
Adjustable Mirror M
Fxved Miroe M,
Microscopiç objective
He-Ne Laser
Compensating Plate
Beam-Splitter
Viewing Sareen
the same wave (source) originally
falling
The rays mirrors MI and M2 are derived from
on
Optical paths: 'BS"'. The wave reflected from MI and entering
the viewing screen
incident at center point on beam splitter the mirror M1, in the absence
twice. However the path of the wave falling
on
crosses the compensating plate C 't is the
air. Thus an extra optical path 2(u -1)t is introduced where,
f compensating plate C' travels totally in immaterial if we
the refractive index of the medium. It is
thickness of the compensating plate C and u' is is used. Thus, it
a serious problem when white light
produce fringes with monochromatic light, but it produces This is done by
the extra optical path 2(| -1)t for all wavelengths.
becomes necessary to compensate for to it.
of same thickness as that of Beam Splitter parallel
introducing another glass plate C (compensating plate) in plate BS is
twice and an extra optical path 2(u -1)t produced
Light reflected from M1 passes trough plate
compensated by the plate C.
ocurs on reflection at M1 and
M2. The exact phase change at the Beam
Change in phase: A phase change of ø difference between
semi reflecting film deposited on it. The optical path
Splitter will depend on the nature of the the viewing screen. The two waves will
traveled in air before reaching
the two rays is due to the different paths
as the path difference,
interfere constructively or destructively according
A-2m A/2 =m (for maxima) and
A (2m+1) 2/2 (for minima)
two rays can be varied by moving
M2.
The path difference between the inclined at 45° to the incident and reflected beams. Hence,
The beam splitter and compensating plate
are
and other from MI (or as if
M1 is imaged virtually in the plate BS. Thus,
one
of the interfering beams from M2as two surfaces
MI and the mirror M2 may be supposed of an air film.
it had come from MI). The virtual image M2 are parallel or not.
whether MI and
The air film may be wedge shaped or parallel depending upon circular, parabolas or
formed in Michelson interferometer may be straight,
Types of fringes: The fringes between these surfaces.
between MI, M2 and angle 0
hyperbola depending upon the distance d
Circular fringes: To obtain circular fringes, the planes of MI and M2 must be perpendicular.
(1) Localized fringes or fringes of equal optical thickness: When the mirror MI and virtual image
(2) M2 are inclined to each other, the film enclosed is wedge shaped.
White Light Fringes: When M2 and MI intersect,
the path difference along the line of intersection
(3) When a source of white light is used we get
is zero and therefore, is same for all the wavelengths.
central achromatic bright fringe. On either side of central fringe, three or four colored straight
fringes are observed.
Observations: -Wavelength of He-Ne laser light.
S. Initial Reading No. of fringes Final Reading Distance moved = 2d/m
No.L (Cm) shilted 'm L2' (Cm) (d=L2-LI)D (Cm)
Calcul lions:
) Mean value of
i)Exact value of = 632.8nm
Percentage error (calculated value ~ exact value) / exact value x 100
Tips for Aceurate Fringe Counting
The following techniques can help you make precisely measurements of fringes patterns.
1. The firing pattern will be symmetrical or sharp. As long as you can clealy distinguish the maxima and
minima, you can make accurate counting during your measurements.
2. Centre ofthe fringe pattern on the viewing plate using adjustable mirror screws on the back of the
fixed mirror. Using fine adjustment knob, find out whether boundary of maxima and minima reaches
the same position as original boundary. The fringe pattern should look the same as in the original
position, when one fringe has gone by.
3 When turning the fine adjustment knob to count fringes, always turn it one complete revolution before
you start counting. This will almost entirely eliminate errors due to backlash in fine adjustment knob.
4 Always turn the fine adjustment knob in one direction either clock-wise or anti clock-wise.
. Always take several readings and average them for greater accuracy.
Source of Error
. Mirror Movement- The amount of adjustable mirror M2 movement per fine adjustment knob is
constant to with 1%. Most of error occurs at extreme end of the mirror's total possible movements.
2. Movement of fine adjustment knob- The rotation of fine adjustment knob should be either clock-wise
or anti clock-wise during the
experiment to reduce any distortion on the fringes.
3. Backlash- Although INDOSAW carefully design mirror movement reduce backlash considerably, but
every mechanical system is susceptible to backlash. However, the effect of backlash can be practically
eliminated by using proper technique when counting fringes.
4. The fixed Mirror MI should be exactly perpendicular to movable mirror M2 and nearly equal distance to
get the circular fringe pattern.
Although INDOSAW -
Troubleshooting
SKO25 Michelson Interferometer is design such way to accurately measure the
wavelength for monochromatic light source and precisely formed the fringes. If you have trouble producing a
clear set of interference fringes, consider the following possible source of difficulty.
1. Laser beam alignments: To eliminate any possible fringes or intensity variations, allow the laser
beam to fall exactly on the centre of fixed mirror passing through center of Beam splitter and
compensating plate at 45°
L. Check your Mirror: Although both the mirror MI & M2 are well fitted in mirror holder. If these
mirrors are slightly out of alignment, the resulting fringe pattern will be distorted somewhat. If
are significantly out of alignment, it may be impossible to obtain
they
fringes.
3 Background Fringes: Reflection from front and back surface of the mirror and beam splitter often
cause mirror interference pattern in the
background of the main fringes pattern. The background
patterns normally do not move when the mirror is moved, and have no impact on measurements made
using the main interference pattern.
4. ibration Free: Under normal conditions, the Michelson interferometer base and lab jack are stable
enough to provide a vibration free setup. However, if the experiment table is vibrating sufficiently, it
will affect the fringe pattern.
8
Suggestion for Additional experiments
1. Michelson interferometer can be used to find the wavelength of a sodium light source
Arce.
Phe mirror and beam splitter surfaces Maintenance
pattern, handle all
are
precision coated. Dirt or scratches
will distort
so
optical surfaces with care. Clean the surfaces de
papers. occasionally with
2 Place the whole set up in dust free
space.
3. Laser should be operated
carefully
Actual Observations: Teacher's Guide
Initial Reading No. of fringes Final
No.
LI' (Cm) shifted 'm
Reading Distance moved . =
2d/m
L2' (Cm)_ (d=L2-L) (cm)
Which source of light are
you using in the experiment?
Do you need a
point source or an extended source of light?
Why do you prefer a monochromatic source of
Can you use white light?
light in your experiment?
What is the use of semi
silvered glass plate?
Why do we use a compensatingplate?
Should the mirror M1 be
What happens
exactly perpendicular to mirror M2?
if the mirror Ml is not perpendicular
distance of MI and M2 fromM2the back
What happens when the to
exactly equal? surface of semi silvered
10. What type of fringes
glass plateis
1. you get in your experiment?
Do you get circular
Can you obtain
fringes? if so, how?
3. straight-line
What are the conditions for fringes your experiment? Explain?
in
14. How Michelson interferometer obtaining straight and cireular fringes in a Michelson
15. is used to determine the interferometer?
What are the refractive index of a thin
interferometer?
conditions
for maxíma minima? When the plate is silvered or
and transparent film?
l6.
un-silvered in Michelson
What types of fringes are
17. produced with white
Why do we use white light to determine the light in Michelson interferometer?
18. What are localized thickness of a thin
19. fringes? How do we obtain them? transparent sheet?
Why do you get less number of
20. Can you study fringes when white light is used?
21. phenomenon
What is magnetostriction?
of
magnetostriction using interferometer?
22 Why should the glass plate A is incline an
angle of 45 to the axis of the incident beam of
light?
