Michelson Interferometer

Definition

A Michelson interferometer is an instrument that uses the principle of interference to measure small displacements, wavelengths, or refractive indices. It splits a beam of light into two paths, recombines them, and produces an interference pattern that can be analyzed.

Related terms

Interference Pattern: An interference pattern is a series of bright and dark regions produced when two or more waves superpose (combine) at certain points in space.

Laser Interferometry: Laser interferometry is a technique that uses laser light as a source for creating precise interference patterns to measure distances or detect minute changes in length.

Coherence Length: The coherence length refers to the distance over which light waves maintain their phase relationship before becoming incoherent (out-of-sync). It affects the visibility and quality of interference fringes in interferometers.