Abstract
Fabry-Perot (F-P) interferometry is an important topic in an optics course because the interferometer provides an example of multiple-beam interference and finds widespread use in laser physics laboratories, both as a device for tuning dye lasers and as a diagnostic instrument for displaying cavity modes. From an optical point of view, a F-P etalon is equivalent to a pair of plane parallel highly reflecting surfaces. Light waves which are incident upon the etalon suffer multiple reflections within the cavity formed by these surfaces and are transmitted with maximum amplitude if the length of the cavity is an integral number of half-wavelengths. In the adjustable etalon, parallelism is achieved by pressing the plates against a spacer, and in a typical work environment this adjustment needs to be made frequently. This type of etalon is in common use in teaching laboratories, even though many students (by university second-year level) do not have the skills which are required to maintain it in good adjustment. For this reason the authors have designed an experiment around the solid etalon, which has the advantage of intrinsic stability of shape.
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