Refraction index of CO2 with the Michelson interferometer

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p2220705_32

Item no.: P2220705

Principle

Light is caused to interfere by means of a beam splitter and two mirrors according to Michelson’s set up. Substituting the air in a measurement cuvette located in one of the interferometer arms by CO2 gas allows to determine the index of refraction of CO2.

Tasks

A Michelson Interferometer is set up and adjusted so that interference rings can be observed. CO2 gas is filled into a measurement cuvette that was filled before with air. From changes in the interference pattern the difference of the refraction index between air and CO2 is determined.

What you can learn about

  • Interference
  • Wavelength
  • Index of refraction
  • Light velocity
  • Phase
  • Virtual light source- Coherence