Fiber optic Michelson interference experimental course towards the cultivation of undergraduates majoring in optical engineering

Abstract

With the development of optical engineering technologies, traditional experimental courses that merely demonstrate theoretical phenomena can no longer meet the demands of optical engineers’ education. In this paper, we propose an experimental course ‘Fiber-Michelson white light interference experiment’ towards the cultivation of optical engineering undergraduates and present a fiber optic system supporting the course. The proposed course integrates fiber optics and optical engineering applications with traditional Michelson interference experimental course, and the experimental system used in the course is low in cost, easy to operate, and convenient to assemble. During the class, students work as groups and have to finish three experimental tasks including the measurements of length, curvature, and refractive index. The first-hand experiences in experiments can impress students with the Michelson optic interference theory and is conductive to developing their abilities to apply optics to engineering. Students’ feedbacks are collected by questionnaire, and students recognize the necessity and effectiveness of the course.