A Michelson Interferometer is an optical instrument used to measure tiny changes in distance, such as the wavelength of light or the movement of a microscopic object, by splitting a single beam of light into two and then recombining them to produce an interference pattern.
A Michelson Interferometer works by using a beam splitter to split a single beam of light into two and then directing them towards a fixed and a movable mirror. The two beams are then reflected back towards the beam splitter and recombined. The resulting interference pattern is then analyzed to measure changes in distance.
Michelson Interferometers have a wide range of applications in various fields such as optics, physics, and engineering. Some common applications include determining the speed of light, measuring the refractive index of a material, and detecting small displacements or changes in distance.
The accuracy of a Michelson Interferometer depends on various factors such as the quality of the optics, the stability of the instrument, and the skill of the operator. With proper calibration and setup, a Michelson Interferometer can achieve accuracy up to a few nanometers.
Yes, a Michelson Interferometer can be used for non-optical measurements as well. It can be adapted to measure changes in distance or displacement of objects on a microscopic scale, making it useful in fields such as nanotechnology and biotechnology.