Electronics and Communication Engineering Discipline

Khulna University
LAB REPORT

Course No. : ECE 4208

Course Title: Optoelectronics Devices & Optical Communication Sessional

Experiment No : 03
Experiment Name: Wavelength measurement of a laser using Michelson
interferometer.

Submitted By
MD Hasibul Hasan
Student ID: 200937

Year: 4th

Term: II

Submitted To
Dr. Md. Shamim Ahsan Dr. Shakila Naznin

Professor Professor
Electronics and Communication Engineering Discipline Electronics and Communication Engineering Discipline
Khulna University Khulna University

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 13-11-2024

Experiment Name: Wavelength measurement of a laser using Michelson
interferometer.

Objective:
• To observe the interference pattern on the viewing screen.
• To measure the wavelength of a laser using a Michelson interferometer.

Theory:
The Michelson interferometer is an optical device based on the principle of interference to
measure characteristics like wavelength of light, small displacements, refractive indices, and
surface irregularities. The basic working principle of a Michelson interferometer concerns optical
interference. In this phenomenon, two or more coherent light waves superimpose to produce a
pattern of bright-alternating and dark regions called interference fringes. Constructive
interference or bright fringes occur when the path difference, is expressed as a whole number
times the wavelength. In cases where the path difference is odd multiples of a half-wavelength,
there is destructive interference, which gives dark fringes.

The first requirement for interference is, however, coherence—the light waves must have the
same phase relationship. Thus a monochromatic coherent light source such as a laser is often
used.

Figure: Michelson Interferometer

The basic Michelson interferometer consists of the following main components:

1. Beam Splitter: A partially reflective mirror that splits an incoming beam of light into
two separate beams, allowing part of the light to pass through while reflecting the other
part at a 90-degree angle.
2. Mirrors: Two mirrors are positioned at right angles to each other. Each mirror reflects
one of the split beams back toward the beam splitter.
3. Light Source: A coherent and monochromatic light source, such as a laser, is used to
produce a stable, single-wavelength light beam for consistent interference patterns.
4. Recombination Path: After reflecting off the mirrors, the two beams are directed back to
the beam splitter, where they combine to create an interference pattern.
5. Observation Screen or Detector: Positioned where the recombined beams meet, the
screen or detector captures the resulting interference fringes, which can then be analyzed
to measure wavelength, displacement, or other properties.

Each component creates interference fringes that reveal precise information about the light’s path
or any changes to it.

In a Michelson interferometer, the wavelength λ of light can be calculated using the formula::

2 ∆d
λ=
𝑁

Where,

o ∆d is the mirror displacement

o N is the number of fringes counted.

This formula relies on the fact that each fringe shift corresponds to a change in the path
difference equal to one wavelength of light, so measuring the shift in fringes as the mirror moves
allows precise determination of the wavelength.

Required Devices and Instruments:

• Michelson interferometer setup

• Class 2 laser module (532 nm, level 2)
• Beam splitter
• Fixed mirror and movable mirror
• Optical alignment tools
 • Micrometer for measuring mirror displacement
• Viewing screen or detector

Diagram:

Figure: Measurement of wavelength using the Michelson Interferometer.

Experimental Procedure:
1. Alignment Setup: The Michelson interferometer setup is aligned with the laser source for
splitting the laser beam by using a beam splitter and sending it toward both mirrors.
2. Initial Observation: Observe on-screen the interference fringes created by superimposed
beams.
3. Fringe Counting: Slowly move the movable mirror and count the amount of fringes, NNN,
that pass a fixed point on the screen.
4. Measure Displacement: Using a micrometer, measure the displacement of the mirror for the
number of fringes counted.
5. Repeat for Precision: Repeat the fringe count and displacement measurements a number of
times until reasonable accuracy is achieved.
6. Wavelength Calculation: Calculate the wavelength of the laser using the given formula.
Calculation and Result:

Mirror displacement, 𝑑=12 mm

Fringe count, 𝑁=41

Using the formula: 𝜆=2𝑑/𝑁

The wavelength 𝜆:

𝜆= 2*12mm/ 41

λ =0.5854 mm =585.4 nm

The calculated wavelength λ is 585.4 nm.

Discussion:

The calculated wavelength of 585.4 nm falls within the visible spectrum, which typically ranges
from approximately 400 to 700 nm. This wavelength corresponds closely to the yellow-orange
region of visible light, suggesting that a laser source emitting light in this color range was used
for the measurement.

In this experiment with the Michelson interferometer, precise mirror displacement and fringe
counting were crucial to achieving an accurate result. Each shift in fringes corresponds to a
specific path difference, allowing the wavelength to be calculated with high precision by
measuring both the displacement and fringe count.

However, factors such as alignment errors, imperfections in the beam splitter, or environmental
influences like vibrations or air currents could affect the accuracy of fringe visibility and count.
Repeating the measurement several times and averaging the results is a helpful approach to
minimize random errors. The consistency of the calculated wavelength across multiple trials
would affirm the reliability of the setup and measurement.
Conclusion:
The Michelson interferometer effectively measured the laser’s wavelength as 585.4 nm, aligning
with expected visible light values. The experiment confirmed the instrument’s precision for
optical measurements, highlighting the importance of alignment, stability, and fringe accuracy in
achieving reliable results.