# Michelson interferometer

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. An optical interferometer that uses a beam splitter to split a light source into two arms, each of which is reflected back toward the beam splitter which then combines their amplitudes using the superposition principle. The resulting interference pattern is typically directed to a photoelectric detector or camera.

## Etymology
Invented by Albert Abraham Michelson.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/michelson-interferometer