A Michelson interferometer consists of a 50/50 beam splitter (half of the light

Question

A Michelson interferometer consists of a 50/50 beam splitter (half of the light is transmitted, half is reflected) and two mirrors, as shown in the figure. By varying the relative path lengths, one can change the amount of light that leaves via the bottom exit 'port' of the interferometer. This enables one, e.g., to measure distances very accurately.

A 1-mW laser of wavelength ? = 380 nm, is directed into the interferometer. Initially the path lengths of the two arms are identical, so that all the light goes to the detector at the bottom (i.e., there's complete constructive interference of the waves from the two paths).

1)How much does mirror M1 need to be moved (the minimum distance) so that no light will be detected at D1?

?x =

Explanation / Answer

The distance that has to be moved is

x= Lambda/4=380 nm/4=0.095 micrometers

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