Changes

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 model 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 one side of a thin piece of optical glass.  When a beam of light is incident on the beam splitter, a fraction of the photons travel through to the other side of the splitter and the remaining photons reflected.  Here we consider wavelengths at which the fraction of the beam absorbed by the mirror is negligible.

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 model 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 one side of a thin piece of optical glass.  When a beam of light is incident on the beam splitter, a fraction of the photons travel through to the other side of the splitter and the remaining photons reflected.  Here we consider wavelengths at which the fraction of the beam absorbed by the mirror is negligible.

Using our knowledge of electric and magnetic fields in conductors and [[Maxwell's Equations]], we can create a simple model of the beam splitter with a light wave at normal incidence.  We are interested in finding two main quantities in this model: the thickness of the conducting film and the phase shift that occurs at the mirror surface.  <font color="red">Still need more here about the calculations we did.</font>

Using our knowledge of electric and magnetic fields in conductors and [[Maxwell's Equations]], we can create a simple model of the beam splitter with a light wave at normal incidence.  We are interested in finding two main quantities in this model: the thickness of the conducting film and the phase shift that occurs at the mirror surface.   

Using the programming power of Matlab, we can solve our system of equations Mv=b, where M, v, and b are given below.

Using the programming power of Matlab, we can solve our system of equations Mv=b, where M, v, and b are given below.