회전 유리판과 3D 프린터를 이용한 교육용 마흐젠더 간섭계 제작

Abstract

This paper proposes how to fabricate an educational Mach-Zehnder interferometer that is easy to align and inexpensive, using3D printers and semiconductor lasers. The interferometer consists of a body 165 mm × 120 mm × 57 mm in size, mirror mounts,a laser holder, beam splitters, and so on. The laser path is adjusted by 4 mirror mounts, each comprised of rubber bands, smallmetal wires, and a screw. The interference fringe is enlarged by the lens at the final stage. The refractive index of a slide glasswas measured by counting the number of moving interference fringes while the slide glass, inserted into one of the twointerferometer arms, is rotating. The formula for the refractive index as a function of the optical-path difference and rotation anglewas obtained, and used to calculate the refractive index of glass from the interferometer experiment. The use of a rotating glassin one arm of the interferometer nullifies the need for a precision stage, which despite its high cost is often required to observethe moving interference fringe in the classroom. Therefore, the 3D-printed Mach-Zehnder interferometer proposed in this papercan be very useful for education, because of its affordability and performance. It enables students to perform both qualitativeand quantitative studies using a 3D-printed interferometer, such as measuring the refractive index of a glass sample, and thewavelength of light.