The Michelson-Morley Experiment

Abstract

IN their scheme of their experiment, Michelson and Morley selected a single incident ray, showed how this would divide into a transmitted and a reflected moiety, traced out the path-lengths and found the difference. Then, comparing the results in two orientations, they computed the difference ₂ – ₁, which they estimated at l × 2² = (0.00000002)l when = v/c = 10⁴ and the semi-translucent mirror is set at = 45°. They applied this computed difference of path-differences to predict a shift of bands in an interference-field; but they did not go into the question how the interference-field (which is undoubtedly observed) is produced.