Phys 104 - BlackBoard Notes: Michelson-Morley

The Michelson-Morley Experiment
BlackBoard Notes

Observe interference pattern. Note dependance on path length.
Calculate time difference for light traveling on different paths.
Calclate the amount the interference patern will shift when interferomter is rotated 90°

The interferometer:

The Michelson Interferometer On high-tech interferometers,
l₁ = l₂

Round trip time, path 1:

Round trip time, path 2:

Time difference:

Delta t

Total shift in interference pattern (rotating 90°):

Delta N

(Number of interference fringes by which the pattern should shift due to 90° rotation)


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