On Sep 9, 2009, at 7:07 AM, Jones Beene wrote:
An unfolding story- and elegant and convincing demo (of something) :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T0d7o8X2-E
Rotatable Michelson-Morley Interferometer experiment.
Possible implications:
1) An optical gravitometer?
2) the mirrors and/or the beamsplitter experience a torque
[snip]
I think the most likely explanation is that the beam splitter sags
multiple wavelengths when the device is at the critical angle shown,
i.e. when the beam splitter is horizontal. This explains maximum
interference at the 180 degree opposed points, and no interference
when the device is on the level. Tidal effects on g might even be
seen, given the extreme sensitivity of the device.
A much more rigid set of optical components and mounts are required.
Also, as ever, replication, replication, replication ....
That was a great video, a great narrative, and a cool experiment. It
could turn out to be groundbreaking, ... or not.
Best regards,
Horace Heffner
http://www.mtaonline.net/~hheffner/
