How do you calculate refractive index in Michelson interferometer?

Then, since the insertion of the glass plate increased the optical path length by 2(n–1)t, and the mirror motion decreased it by 2d, 2d must equal 2(n–1)t, so the refractive index n of the plate can be calculated from Nλ = 2d = 2(n–1)t. where t is the thickness of the plate and λ is the wavelength of the laser.

What is the measurements of refractive index?

The angle made by the ray of light in the air to that of the reference light (the normal), is the angle of incidence, and the angle made by the ray of light in the glass to the same normal, is the angle of refraction. It is the ratio of the sines of both these angles that is the refractive index of the block of glass.

How do you measure refractive index of water?

The refractive index of water can be determined by measuring the optical path difference between the reference and measurement beam, with or without water in the container. Consequently, the geometrical length of the container is required.

What is the refractive index of glass?

1.52
Glass. The refractive index of glass varies per composition and wavelength. Ordinary crown glass, when illuminated by white light, has an index of refraction of 1.52, whereas medium flint glass has an RI of 1.63 and acrylic has an 1.49 index of refraction.

What is refractive index in Michelson interferometer?

Using a Michelson Interferometer, I found that the highest index of refraction of air to be 1.00028 ± 1.1 ×10−5 (stat.) ± 1.2 ×10−5 (syst.). This value agrees with the known value of 1.00029.

What is refractive index how it is determined experimentally?

The angle between the normal at N and the emergent ray is the angle of emergence. Join M and N. A,B,M,N, C, D represent the path of light. If we take angle of incidence along x-axis and the angle of deviation along y-axis we get the graph as shown in figure. The refractive index of prism μ=sin2Asin[2(A+D)]

How does refractive index affect refraction?

When light enters a material with higher refractive index, the angle of refraction will be smaller than the angle of incidence and the light will be refracted towards the normal of the surface. The higher the refractive index, the closer to the normal direction the light will travel.

How is refractive index measured experimentally?

The travelling microscope allows for the measurement of very small distances. The difference in distance travelled by a ray of light passing through air and a ray of light passing thorough glass can be measured. Again Snell’s law can be used to determine the refractive index.

What is the refractive index of alcohol?

Some representative refractive indices

What does a Michelson interferometer measure?

The Michelson interferometer and its modifications are used in the optical industry for testing lenses and prisms, for measuring index of refraction, and for examining minute details of surfaces (microtopographies). The instrument consists of a half-silvered mirror that divides a light beam into two equal parts,…