Fabry-Pérot Resonator Experiment - basic version

Unlike commercial Fabry-Pérot scanning analyzers, this system offers a complete view of all its components and is fully adjustable.

It is formed by two mirrors (concave or flat) positioned face to face to obtain different configurations (flat or confocal) of the resonator.

The position of one of the mirrors is adjustable using a piezoelectric element, essential for scanning the cavity.

A versatile controller allows adjusting all the functions necessary for driving the piezoelectric transducer, but also for acquiring and amplifying the signal coming from the photodiode.

Topics covered:
- Two-wave interference, multiple interferences
- Free Spectral Range (FSR), resolution, finesse
- Different types of Fabry-Pérot resonators
- Stability criterion
- Spectral analysis of a He-Ne Laser
- Effects of polarization

Principles and objectives:
The objective of this didactic Fabry-Pérot type resonator is to study its free spectral range and finesse as well as the analysis of modes of a He-Ne laser.
One of the resonator mirrors is mounted on a piezoelectric transducer, which allows scanning of the cavity and using it as a spectrum analyzer.
By modifying the type of mirrors (the complete set 204827 includes 3 different pairs) and the length of the cavity, it is possible to explore several configurations. In the case of a parallel plane resonator, a beam expander is used to enlarge the diameter of the laser beam. Finally, to discriminate between the two polarized modes of the laser, a polarization filter is provided.
There is a basic version 204828 that can be supplemented later.

Composition:
▪ 1 optical rail 1 m, with graduated ruler
▪ 1 He-Ne laser with support and power supply
▪ 1 mirror holder with angular adjustment on rider
▪ 1 mirror holder with angular and axial adjustment (piezoelectric) on rider
▪ 1 pair of mirrors (concave R=75 mm)
▪ 1 controller for piezoelectric stage and photodiode
▪ 1 photodiode on rider
▪ 2 pairs of Laser safety glasses
▪ 1 optics cleaning kit
▪ 1 set of experiment instructions (in English)