6D30.85 - Interference - Microscope Slide and Soldering Gun

See paragraph one in the procedure section.
Code Number:
6D30.85
Demo Title:
Interference - Microscope Slide and Soldering Gun
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Interference & Thermal Expansion
Area of Study:
Optics
Equipment:
Laser with expanding lens, microscope slide, soldering gun.
Procedure:

Reflect the expanded laser beam off of the microscope slide and onto the screen.  A readily visible interference pattern should be observed.  Heat the soldering gun and hold the tip to the back side of the slide.  The thermal expansion of the slide should change the interference pattern a great deal where the tip is touching the slide.

References:
  • Kevin T. Kilty, "A Simple Interferometer", TPT, Vol. 35, #8, Nov. 1997, p. 507.
  • T. Kallard, "Interference Demonstration with Plane Parallel Glass Plates", Exploring Laser Light, p. 117.
  • Gordon McComb,  Lasers, Ray Guns, & Light Cannons - Projects from the Wizard's Workbench, p. 154.

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.