Optics, Photonics & Laser

Principle of interferometers

Basic Principle of Interferometer. Interferometer is a precise instrument for flow visualization. The variation of refractive index of the flowing gas with density is the basic principle used in thses system. The principle of interference of light waves is used.

• Operation of Interferometer: Light rays from a source are collimated with a lens L1. That is, the light rays become a parallel beam of rays when they come out of the lens L1.
• This collimated light rays are then split by a beam splitter B1. The two beams traverse at right angles to each other.
• That is the beam
• There are many Interferometers
• Constructive interference
• Destructive interference
• Electrical interference
• Radio frequency interference