The Michelson interferometer is common configuration for optical interferometry and was invented by Albert Abraham Michelson. Using a beamsplitter, a light source is split into two arms. Each of those is reflected back toward the beamsplitter which then combines their amplitudes interferometrically. The resulting interference pattern that is not directed back toward the source is typically directed to some type of photoelectric detector or camera. Depending on the interferometer's particular application, the two paths may be of different lengths or include optical materials or components under test.