Design of a simulated Michelson interferometer for education based on virtual reality

The physical experiment based on science inquiry learning shows its advantages compared with traditional class demonstration. However, the participation in physical experiments is often stylized and there are still many limitations when promoting the laboratory learning. This paper presents the construction of a Virtual Optics Laboratory which is applied to the experiment of the Michelson interferometer. On the current platform, the phenomena of interference and background theories are visualized for the purpose of efficiently promoting conceptual understanding. Factors of the experimental environment such as wavelengths, properties of optical elements and perspectives can be altered with interactive tools, enabling students to set up the system, observe the phenomena of interference as well as measure wavelengths and small displacements. The simulated laboratories can be of great assistance in the development of inquiry skills to enhance school education.