Precision Measurement of Material and Optical Properties Using Interferometry

Team Members

Yang SangUk

Zhang ShunYang

Xu Zifang

List of Apparatus/tools required

Laser Diode [Red]

Beam Splitter

Gas cells (Multiple cells of different gases required [Vacuum Pump])

Mirrors (One will be heated [5-10K Aluminum mirror])

Heater (Used to heat the mirror for thermal expansion [Cap heater])

Introduction

Idea

We will be constructing an interferometer as a tool for precision measurement. One primary objective is to determine the refractive index of the various gases by analyzing the resulting shift in interference fringes. Additionally, the thermal expansion of the metal sample will be measured by monitoring changes in the optical path length as the temperature of the sample varies. The project will highlight the relationship between wave optics and measurable physical parameters and illustrates the advantages of high-precision experimental technique.