You are asked to find the index of refractionfor an unknown fluid, using only a

Question

You are asked to find the index of refractionfor an unknown fluid, using only a laser and a Michelsoninterferometer. A Michelson interferometer consists of twoarms--paths that light travels down, which end inmirrors-- attached around a beam splitter. (Intro1 figure) The beam splitter separates the incoming lightinto two separate beams and then recombines them once they returnfrom the ends of the arms. The recombined beams are sent to atelescope, where their interference pattern may be observed indetail. Intro 1figure Express your answer innanometers, to four significant figures.

Explanation / Answer

Michelson interferometer equation is m=2nd m is the number of fringes recorded as the scanning mirror of theMichelson interferometer moves through the distance, d. The refractive index, n, of the medium (typically air) so, =2*1.00*.03163milimeter/100 if you convert this to nanometer, it comes out 632.8nm

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