Interferometer of Michael Morley

The Michelson and Morley Interferometer was built at the end of the 19th century, with the main objective of characterizing the movements of the Earth from the perspective of the "Ether". LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational - Observatory of Waves), with the objective of verifying the existence of the gravitational waves reported by the physicist Albert Einstein in 1916.

For the preparation of the interferometer, recyclable and low cost materials were used. Its main purpose was to detect, in a sensitive way, small displacements, vibrations and the refraction of the atmospheric air.

The following materials were used:

- Square pieces of wood.

- Threaded bar.

- Nuts and washers.

- Arduino laser 5v.

- Cell phone (to power the laser).

- Acrylic 6mm thick (effective beam splitter).

- Super glue.

- Pieces of mirrors.

At the outset, the wood was collected and served as part of the interferometer structure. One piece of acrylic was used as the beam splitter (650nm Laser), while two pieces of mirror were placed at 90 degrees to reflect the laser light deflected. About $ 5.15 was spent to assemble the equipment.

******* (For specifications and measurements please contact me via facebook - Caiotacão)*******

The observed results were the annihilation and construction of waves caused by the phenomenon of light interference when subjected to minimum displacements and vibrations (palms, small noises).

It can be concluded that the low-cost Michelson and Morley interferometer proved to be very effective for analyzes involving small displacements, vibrations and refraction of atmospheric air, thus having a high sensitivity considering that it was created from easily obtainable materials.

New changes are being performed (decrease in size and better fit), what I can guarantee is that in the interiror of CD-ROM drive burners, there is a better quality beam splitter; new results will be demonstrated !!! see you later...

BASSALO, J. M. F. A crônica da óptica clássica (parte III: 1801 – 1908).

Caderno Catarinense de Ensino de Física, p. 48-49, abr. 1989.

HALLIDAY, D.; RESNICK, R.; WALKER, J. Fundamentos de Física. Rio de Janeiro: Livros Técnicos e Científicos, 1996. v. 4, seção 39-4: polarização por reflexão.

CATELLI, F.; PAVAN, L.; BERNARDI, R. Medida do índice de refração de um gás com laser de diodo. In: CRICTE 99, 1999, UFSM, Santa Maria.

YOUNG, Hugh D.; FREEDMAN, Roger A. (2009). Física IV: ótica e física moderna. 4 12 ed. São Paulo: Addison Wesley. 100 páginas.