Why is it necessary to use a telescope to observe fringe pattern in a Michelson-Interferometer but a microscope is needed to observe the Newton's ring?
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Fringe pattern formed in Newton’s rings and Michelson interferometer appear similar but the basic difference is noted in the fringes formation.
In Newton’s rings, fringes appear due to the interference of two unique light rays and the light do not split. In Michelson interferometer, a light ray is split and then made to interfere to form the fringe pattern.
Fringe pattern of Newton rings that appear in the gap between the convex lens and glass plate can be viewed via naked eyes, but in order to make clear measurements, a microscope is essential to view enlarged pattern. In Michelson interferometer, fringe pattern is seen behind the mirror and it tends to appear from an infinite distance. Hence, a telescope is required for measurements.
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