Abstract: By using some basic optical components and light source, we build up the Mach-Zehnder interfer- ometer in the laboratory for measuring the impact of pressure on the refractive index of air and different source heat distribution. Combining traditional optical experiments with computer image processing technology, we obtain the temperature field, which is the lines of equal density, and the experimental phenomena is also discussed. This ex- periment can be used as a design experiment for colleges and universities.

Key words: interference, Mach-Zehnder interferometer, Moire fringe