When using a Michelson interferometer in a vacuum chamber and slowly depressurizing, which outcome arises due to the optical path difference?

💡 Explanation

A pressure change alters refractive index, which shifts the fringes, because constructive and destructive Interference locations change due to Altered Optical Path Length. Reducing pressure changes the gas density, therefore causes fringe shifts, rather than intensity changes which occur with amplitude changes.

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