Michelson Interferometer
This interactive simulator explores Michelson Interferometer in Optics & Light. I(Δ) = V cos²(πΔ/λ); tilt fringes; coherence length envelope. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.
Who it's for: Best once you already know the basic definitions and want to build intuition. Typical context: Optics & Light.
Key terms
- michelson
- interferometer
- michelson interferometer
- optics
- light
Live graphs
How it works
In a Michelson interferometer the beam splitter sends light along two arms; mirrors return the beams and they recombine. The detected intensity varies with the optical path difference Δ as cos²(πΔ/λ) for monochromatic light. A slight tilt between the returning wavefronts produces straight fringes; moving a mirror sweeps Δ and shifts the pattern. A finite coherence length (e.g. from bandwidth) reduces fringe contrast at large Δ.
Key equations
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