How do you calculate refractive index in Michelson interferometer?

Then, since the insertion of the glass plate increased the optical path length by 2(n–1)t, and the mirror motion decreased it by 2d, 2d must equal 2(n–1)t, so the refractive index n of the plate can be calculated from Nλ = 2d = 2(n–1)t. where t is the thickness of the plate and λ is the wavelength of the laser.

How do you find the index of refraction of air?

For air and other ideal gases, the difference between the refractive index and 1 is proportional to the pressure of the gas. Thus we define the refractive index of air n = 1 + k p, where p is the air pressure and k is an unknown constant. When the pressure is changed, the change in the refraction index is ∆n = k ∆p.

What is the principle of Michelson interferometer experiment?

State the principle and describe the construction and working of Michelson Interferometer. Principle: It works on the principle of interference of light by the division of amplitude in light from an extended source is divided into two parts of equal intensity by partial reflection and refraction.

How does the Michelson interferometer allow for the measurement of very small changes in length?

Interferometers generally are used to measure very small displacements by using the wave property of light (or other radiation e.g. low energy neutrons). They measure changes of the interference pattern when waves with different phases overlap.

How is Michelson interferometer used to determine the difference in wavelength of the two D lines of sodium?

Explanation: The two beams of a Michelson interferometer interfere constructively when the waves add in phase and destructively when they add out of phase, producing circular interference fringes as a result. From this we can calculate wavelength of sodium source.

What is the index of refraction and how is it calculated?

Index of refraction of any medium is defined as the proportion between the speed of light in vacuum and in the investigated medium. The refractive index equation is: n = c / v.

Why are circular fringes formed in Michelson interferometer?

What is the explanation of the formation of circular fringes in the Michelson interferometer? You get circular fringes if one of the end mirrors has a very slightly different curvature from the other, or if the input beam is slightly diverging (or converging) and the path lengths are slightly different.

What is application of Michelson interferometer?

Michelson interferometers can be used to measure the speed of light in different mediums, precisely measure the exact position of an object, break light up into a spectrum, test optical components, and to study wind and temperature patterns (especially in the upper atmosphere).

How can Michelson interferometer be used to determine wavelength of light?

A Michelson interferometer is used to measure the wavelength of light put through it. When the movable mirror is moved by exactly 0.100 mm, the number of fringes observed moving through is 316.

How will you determine the wavelength of sodium light using Michelson interferometer?

The two beams of a Michelson interferometer interfere constructively when the waves add in phase and destructively when they add out of phase, producing circular interference fringes as a result. From this we can calculate wavelength of sodium source.