Interferometers Concept

Demonstrations in Interferometers

Overhead view of interferometer model on green lecture bench, with green ribbons extending from translucent light box on ring stand, routed around bench clamps representing mirrors, with springs providing tension

Interferometer Model

A mechanical model of a Michelson interferometer uses colored ribbons to represent light paths. Sliding one "mirror" (bench clamp) changes the ribbon alignment, showing constructive interference when colored squares match …
Pasco Precision Interferometer on optical rail with green laser on left, interferometer body in center, and circular green interference pattern projected on the wall
Safety

Interferometer

A Michelson interferometer splits a laser beam into two paths and recombines them, producing visible interference fringes that shift as the path length changes. Students see direct evidence that light …