Phase and Frequency Shift in a Michelson Interferometer
| Scientific Paper | |
|---|---|
| Title | Phase and Frequency Shift in a Michelson Interferometer |
| Read in full | Link to paper |
| Author(s) | Wolfgang Engelhardt |
| Keywords | OCIS: Fundamental tests, Instruments, apparatus, and components common to the sciences, Interferometry, Phase measurement |
| Published | 2011 |
| Journal | None |
| No. of pages | 9 |
Read the full paper here
Abstract
Traditionally the outcome of Michelson's interference experiment has been interpreted as evidence against the existence of a luminiferous medium called ?ether?. Einstein, however, emphasized in 1920 that an ether must exist in spite of Michelson's null result. In this paper it is shown that a medium theory ? be it for light or for sound ? actually predicts the observed null result. Michelson expected a gradual fringe shift when his apparatus was turned in the ?ether wind?. Such a phase change would, however, require a temporary frequency change in one of the interferometer arms. Since wind does not alter the frequency in the interferometer, a phase shift cannot occur either.