Question

A Michelson interferometer is an optical instrument which works on the principle of constructive/destructive interference of waves which travel a different distance (introducing a phase difference). Would such an instrument work on sunlight? Why or why not? Could you build an RF equivalent? If so, describe it.

Answer 1

The Michelson Interferometer will not work on sunlight because sunlight is not monochromatic in nature. As the condition for constructive/destructive interference of waves is that, these waves should have same wavelength i.e monochromatic & same phase. But both are not satisfied in case on sunlight.

Yes, we can build RF equivalent but the resolution or interference pattern won't be precise because radio frequencies are much lower than that of optical/laser light used in Michelson Interferometer.