A Lego® Mach–Zehnder interferometer with an Arduino detector

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, a Lego®-based interferometer, developed by a first-year bachelor physics student, is presented. The interferometer is home-built at low cost, using household items such as glass panes for beamsplitters and reflecting smartphone logos for mirrors. It is able to produce stable and visible fringes, of which shifting can be monitored. The presented methods allow students to build and conduct adequate optical experiments without the need for expensive optics lab materials, making them deployable in distance learning. Moreover this interferometer demonstrates the educational value of a free experimental assignment.