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   If you are interested in Einstein you are interested in light. Light
is used throughout his discussions of relativity. One of the best ways
to demonstrate the properties of light is use an interferometer. Once
you have witnessed a light fringe, the properties light start to make
some sense. What better way to celebrate Einstein's anniversary than to
build an interferometer and experiment with light. If you substitute the
two corner cubes for the two mirrors they are much more stable and
easier to align. There is also an inexpensive method to create a beam
splitter.

   If you are interested in building an interferometer sent me an e-mail
with a mailing address and I will send you my drawings and a source list
for the parts and materials. A circuit is included to listen to the
fringes. Over the years I have helped many people design a working
interferometer. It can be a great teaching tool for physics.

    A little history - I published an article on a laser kit in 1987.
When I asked what they where going to use there laser for, many people
said they where also planning to construct an interferometer with the
laser. Years later when I was offered many hundred corner cubes I knew
what to use them for and a new career began. An article was started but
never sent to the publisher.

               Be forewarned light fringes can be addictive!

Roger Sonntag
GS&E
585-338-7001
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