Absolute measurements of the refractive index of solids and liquids using a fiber optic Mach-Zehnder interferometer

Abstract

In this paper, we present results of absolute measurements of the refractive index of some transparent solids and liquids using the fiber optic Mach-Zehnder interferometer developed in our laboratory. The samples were inserted in one of the arms of the interferometer. We have been using two identical samples, which are rotated in opposite directions. This in order to prevent a complete displacement of the interference pattern as a result of the rotation. Determination of the refractive index was done by recording the number of fringes over which the interference pattern is shifted as the samples are rotated. The results compare well with the values reported in the literature.