EXPERIMENT - 7

Object: To determine the wavelength of laser light using Michelsons interferometer. Apparatus: Michelsons interferometer, laser source, reading lens and reading lamp. Formula used: The wavelength of sodium light is given by

2 x2 x1 N

Here

x2 x1 = the distance through which the movable mirror has been moved.

N = number of fringes.

Determination of wavelength: Before making any observation regarding the determination of wavelength it is important that Michelsons interferometer should have least resolving power. Move the handle screw and ensure that the fringes are either emerging or collapsing at the centre and there is neither consonance nor dissonance. Put the small lever into action. The purpose of this is to provide a slow motion of the mirror M1 by way of coupling the handle screw with the spherometer. Note the reading of the main and vernier scales at this point. Let it be x1. This corresponds to the position of mirror for say m fringes. On moving the spherometer in one direction it will be noticed that the fringes will either emerge or collapse at the centre. Continue the process of rotating the spherometer and note its reading x2 when 10, 20, 30 and 40 etc. fringes are crossing the field of view. In this way there are several values of x2. From the observations, find out the value of x2 x1 for 50 fringes. Using equation (5.6) calculate the value of .

Observation: (a) For the determination of . Least count of the spherometer = cm

S.No

No. of fringes

Reading of the spherometer cm. 1st 2nd Total scale scale (a)

S.No

No. of fringes

Reading of the spherometer cm. 1st 2nd Total scale scale (a)

b-a=the value of x2-x1 for N=50

1 2 3 4 5

m m+10 m+20 m+30 m+40

6 7 8 9 10

m+50 m+60 m+70 m+80 m+90

Calculation:
2 x2 x1 N

= cm = A

Probable error: For wavelength: Applying the standard procedure for getting the probable error. Result: The wavelength of sodium light = A Sources of error and precautions: 1. The apparatus should be placed in the laboratory at a place free from mechanical disturbances. 2. Move the spherometer in one direction in order to avoid back lash error. 3. The handle screw contains fine threads with the help of which the mirror M1 moves along one arm. A rough handling will spoil the threads. 4. In determining it is important to achieve the conditions of high resolving power of the Michelsons interferometer.