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==INTERFEREOMETRY AND THE MICHELSON INTERFEROMETER==

==INTERFEREOMETRY AND THE MICHELSON INTERFEROMETER==

Interferometry is the splitting of light beams into two or more paths  and the recombining of those different beams to measure difference in optical path length and refractive index [1] via interference fringes that form as a result of the recombined beams.       

Interferometry is the splitting of light beams into two or more paths  and the recombining of those different beams to measure difference in optical path length and refractive index [[#References|[1]]] via interference fringes that form as a result of the recombined beams.       

The Michelson interferometer [[Image:MIint.gif|thumb|A Michelson Interferometer! (courtesy of [http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/MichelsonInterferometer.html])]] was invented by Albert Michelson in 1882 “to detect a change in the velocity of light due to the motion of the [ether]” [[#References|[2]]].  The findings of Michelson's experiment eventually went on to support Einstein's theory of relativity.  Add something here describing the parts of the Michelson interferometer.

The Michelson interferometer [[Image:MIint.gif|thumb|A Michelson Interferometer! (courtesy of [http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/MichelsonInterferometer.html])]] was invented by Albert Michelson in 1882 “to detect a change in the velocity of light due to the motion of the [ether]” [[#References|[2]]].  The findings of Michelson's experiment eventually went on to support Einstein's theory of relativity.  Add something here describing the parts of the Michelson interferometer.

For our experiment we will be utilizing the fringes of the Michelson interferometer to gather information about the topology of synthetic diamond wafers.  In order to be able to utilize a computer program to analyze the data gathered from the Michelson interferometer, we start with an approximation of the beam splitter present at the center of the interferometer.  We know that the beam splitter is comprised of a thin layer of a conducting substance present on two sides of a thin piece of optical glass.  When a beam of light is directed towards the beam splitter, half of the light travels through to the other side of the splitter and the other half is reflected.

For our experiment we will be utilizing the fringes of the Michelson interferometer to gather information about the topology of synthetic diamond wafers.  In order to be able to utilize a computer program to analyze the data gathered from the Michelson interferometer, we start with an approximation of the beam splitter present at the center of the interferometer.  We know that the beam splitter is comprised of a thin layer of a conducting substance present on two sides of a thin piece of optical glass.  When a beam of light is directed towards the beam splitter, half of the light travels through to the other side of the splitter and the other half is reflected.