Visualizing the phenomena of wave interference, phase-shifting and polarization by interactive computer simulations

Abstract

In this manuscript a computer based simulation is proposed for teaching concepts of interference of light (under the scheme of a Michelson interferometer), phase-shifting and polarization states. The user can change some parameters of the interfering waves, such as their amplitude and phase difference in order to graphically represent the polarization state of a simulated travelling wave. Regarding to the interference simulation, the user is able to change the wavelength and type of the interfering waves by selecting combinations between planar and Gaussian profiles, as well as the optical path difference by translating or tilting one of the two mirrors in the interferometer setup, all of this via a graphical user interface (GUI) designed in MATLAB. A theoretical introduction and simulation results for each phenomenon will be shown. Due to the simulation characteristics, this GUI can be a very good nonformal learning resource.

Integrasi Simulasi Pembentukan Bayangan pada Cermin Cembung menggunakan Visual Basic For Application Powerpoint dengan Nomograf Optik

“…Dalam penelitian ini, simulasi tersebut ditampilkan dalam sebuah slide. Media ini sendiri dapat berfungsi sebagai sumber belajar informal yang dapat digunakan dengan mudah oleh guru dan siswa dalam mempelajari fenomena Fisika, baik siswa maupun guru dapat mengubah parameter-parameter Fisika pada slide sesuai dengan kebutuhan (Rivera, 2015).…”

Interactive projectile motion STEM simulation and game, based on Scratch (S4A) and Arduino

“…Computer simulations and games can support the new, inquiry-based approaches to science instruction, providing virtual laboratories, helping students to link abstract representations of a scientific phenomenon [4]; so they may be able to easily understand complex models. It has been studied and shown that some of the benefits of videogames in the learning/teaching process are [5]:…”

Computational tool for phase-shift calculation in an interference pattern by fringe displacements based on a skeletonized image

“…Experimentally, in PSI and GPSI a phase-shift can be introduced from different methods; for instance: by changing the optical path using a displacing mirror on a piezoelectric transducer [5], by inducing changes in the refractive index [6], by means of tilting a glass plate [7,8], using frequency shifts between the two interfering beams induced by the Zeeman effect [9] or wavelength variations with the Doppler effect [10]. Further techniques include the modulation of polarization [11] or lateral displacements of a grating [12], the modulation of the input current in a laser diode [13] among others.…”