Well, I am trying learn a bit about lasers and optics, so I started out by attempting to make a michelson morely type interferometer - just want to make an interference pattern. So I have lined up the laser, mirrors and beam splitter, but I am not able to get an interference pattern at all. I am suspecting the cheap laser pointer that I am using (cost $2). I have realized that I don't know at all what requirements a laser has to fulfill to be able to make an interference pattern. Is a narrow line width necessary? A certain beam quality?
I have ordered a Helium Neon laser anyway, but even if it works, I wont know why, so:
Please educate me.
I have ordered a Helium Neon laser anyway, but even if it works, I wont know why, so:
Please educate me.