Light

Fabry-Pérot Interferometer

Definition

A Fabry-Pérot Interferometer is an optical device that uses interference to measure the wavelength of light or the thickness of transparent materials. It consists of two parallel mirrors with a small gap in between, allowing light to enter and reflect multiple times.

Analogy

Imagine you are standing between two parallel mirrors facing each other. When you clap your hands, the sound waves bounce back and forth between the mirrors, creating interference patterns. The same principle applies to a Fabry-Pérot Interferometer, where light waves bounce back and forth between the mirrors, creating interference patterns.

Related terms

Interference: The interaction of two or more waves that results in their combination or cancellation. For example, when two water waves meet and create larger or smaller waves.

Wavelength: The distance between successive crests (or troughs) of a wave. It determines the color of light we perceive.

Thin Film Interference: A phenomenon that occurs when light reflects off thin films, causing constructive or destructive interference based on the film's thickness.