Interference of Light by Mr. Charis Israel Ancha

PREPARED BY
Mr. A.CHARIS ISRAEL. M.Sc., B.Ed., (Ph.D.)

Sr. Lecturer of PHYSICS
Mobile No: +91-9269680853
PHYSICS-I UNIT –I INTERFERENCE OF LIGHT 2009-2010
Unit – I
INTERFERENCE OF LIGHT
Introduction:
Light: Light is a form of Energy. It is represented in the form a wave.
Wave: Wave is the propagation of the disturbance of the particles in the medium.
Characteristics of a wave:
a) Frequency 'υ ' b) Wave length ' λ ' c) Amplitude ' A ' d) Phase ' ∅ ' e) Wave number ' k '
Frequency 'υ ' : The number of cycles per second or the number of waves per second is called frequency.
Wave length ' λ ' : The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs is called the wave length.
Or The distance between any two identical points on a wave is called wave length.
Amplitude ' A ' : The maximum displacement of the particles from their mean position is called Amplitude.
Intensity ‘I’: The amount of energy transferred by the wave through an unit area in unit time is called Intensity.
Intensity is directly proportional to the square of the amplitude. i.e., I ∝ A2
Wave number ' k ' : The number of wave lengths in a distance of 2π meters is called wave number.
2π
k =
λ
Time period ' T ' : The time taken by the wave to move by one wave length distance is called the time period.
Angular frequency ' ω ' : The number of cycles contained in a time interval of ' 2π ' seconds.
2π
ω =
T
Monochromatic Source: Source which emits light of single frequency (or wave length) is called monochromatic
source. Ex: He-Ne Laser, Sodium vapour lamp, etc.
Equation for the displacement of the particle ' y ' : When a wave propagates in x-direction then at any time ‘t’, the
displacement of the particle from the equilibrium position is given by
y ( x , t ) = A sin( kx − ω t )
where ‘A’ is the amplitude, ‘k’ is the wave number, ' ω ' is the angular frequency.
The above equation represents a “plane monochromatic harmonic wave”.
Phase ' ∅ ' : In the displacement equation the term ( kx − ω t ) is called phase angle or phase of a wave.
i.e., ∅ = ( kx − ω t )
Phase is expressed in radians or degrees. The maximum possible value for ' ∅ ' is 2π radians or 360o.
The maximum value that ' ∅ ' can take is 1.
At any given time the phase ' ∅ ' is different for each point along the wave.
Path difference ' L ' : When two waves propagate in a medium along two different paths and are allowed to
superimpose at some point in another medium, then there might be a path difference between them.
Relationship between Phase difference and Path difference:
When any wave advances in space, its phase changes continuously. At a fixed time, the points at x1 and x2
on the wave will have a phase difference of δ = ∅ 2 − ∅1 .
2π 2π
δ = (kx2 − ωt ) − (kx1 − ωt ) = k ( x2 − x1 ) = ( x2 − x1 ) ⇒ δ = L
λ λ
2π
From the equation of phase difference, δ = L it is clear that,
λ
2π
If the waves have a path difference of L = λ , then the phase difference δ = λ/ = 2π .
λ/
λ 2/ π λ/
If the waves have a path difference of L = , then the phase difference δ = ⇒δ =π .
2 λ/ 2/
Here the two waves are inverted to one another.
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PHYSICS - I
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Refractive index ' µ ' : It is the ratio of the velocity of light in vacuum ' c ' to the velocity of light in medium ' v '
velocity of light in vacuum c
i.e., µ = =
velocity of light in medium v
Refractive index is the property of a medium, its value is always greater than or equal to 1 i.e., ≥ 1
Refractive indices for some optical media:
Medium Refractive Index ' µ '
1) Air 1.000293
2) Water 1.333
3) Ice 1.310
4) Silica Glass 1.458
Denser medium: An optical medium with a high refractive index is called an optically denser medium.
Rarer medium: An optical medium with a low refractive index is called an optically rarer medium.
Occurrence of phase difference or path difference:
A path difference or a phase difference between two waves may arise during the process of reflection, also.
A light wave undergoes a phase change of ' π ' when it gets reflected at the rarer–to–denser medium
boundary.
Thus a light wave gets inverted or loses a half-wave when reflects from a rarer-to-denser medium boundary.
The wave reflected at the rarer-to-denser medium is out of phase with the incident wave.
A light ray does not undergo any change in phase when it gets reflected at the denser-to-rarer medium
boundary.
The wave reflected at the denser-to-rarer medium is in phase with the incident wave.
Wavefront: The wavefront separates the region of space into which the wave is already spread from the region
into which the wave is going to spread. A wave surface is also called as wave front.
Ex: Circular wavefront, plane wavefront, spherical wavefront, cylindrical wavefront, etc.
Ray: A ray is a line drawn normal to the wavefront and represents the direction of the energy flow.
Rays are parallel lines in case of plane wavefronts.
Coherent sources: If the phase difference between two waves emitted from two sources is zero or has a constant
value with time, then the two sources are known as coherent sources.
Incoherent sources: If the phase difference between two waves changes with time, then the two sources are
known as incoherent sources.
Interference: When two light waves of same frequency, same wave length and nearly same amplitude
superimpose, then the distribution of intensity takes place. This is called interference.
Constructive Interference: When a Crest (or trough) of one wave falls on the crest (or trough) of another wave,
then the Intensity (or amplitude) of the resultant wave is maximum. This is called Constructive interference.
OR
The interference between the waves which are in phase with each other is called Constructive
Interference.
Destructive Interference: When a Crest (or trough) of one wave falls on the trough (or Crest) of another wave,
then the Intensity of the resultant wave is minimum. This is called Destructive Interference.
OR
The interference between waves which are out of phase by 180o or in opposite phase is called
Destructive Interference.
Classification of Interference:
Interference is divided into two classes,
1) Interference by division of Wavefront
2) Interference by division of Amplitude
(1) Division of Wavefront: The incident wavefront is divided into two parts by the phenomenon of reflection,
refraction or diffraction. These two parts of the same wavefront travel unequal distances and reunite at some angle
to produce interference fringes.
Ex: Young’s Double slit experiment, Fresnel Biprism, Lloyd’s mirror, etc.
PHYSICS - I
(2) Division of Amplitude: The amplitude of the wave is divided into two parts either by parallel reflection or
refraction. These divided parts of wave superimpose after moving in different paths and produce interference.
During the interference by division of amplitude the source should be an extended source to produce bright
fringes.
Ex: Newton’s rings, Michelson’s interferometer, etc.
Conditions for Interference of light:
To obtain a permanent or stationary interference pattern, the conditions are classified into three parts.
1) Conditions for sustained interference.
a) The two sources should be coherent.
b) The two sources must emit continuous waves of the same wave length and same time period.
2) Conditions for observation.
a) The separation between the two sources should be small.
b) The distance between the two sources and the screen should be large.
c) The back ground should be dark.
3) Conditions for good contrast.
a) The amplitudes of the interfering waves should be equal or nearly equal.
b) The sources must be very small.
INTERFERENCE BY PLANE PARALLEL THIN FILM:
(General equation for Optical path difference) A C F
Let us consider a transparent film of uniform thickness‘t’, N ray1 ray 2
as shown in figure. H
π air
Let the refractive index of the material of film is ' µ f ' . The film is i i
illuminated by a parallel beam of monochromatic light (AR) on the G i
upper surface. B E glass
Now the ray AB is partly reflected along BC and partly r
transmitted into the film along BD, making an angle ‘r’ with normal r r t plate
NN ' . At ‘D’, it is partly reflected along DE and partly transmits N'
along DI. The ray DE refracts into air at E, along ray 2, EF. D
Now, the two rays BC (ray 1) and EF (ray 2) are parallel
and are components of the same ray AB. So, ray 1 and ray2 are I
coherent and can produce interference.
Let us now calculate the optical path difference between ray1 and ray2.
Step(1): Draw a normal EH onto BC. Now the part of ray1 ‘HC’ and part of ray2 ‘EF’ travel equal distances. So, the
geometrical path difference between ray1 & ray2 is
Geometrical Path Difference = ( BD + DE ) − BH
Step(2): But, the ray ( BD + DE ) is travelling in the material of refractive index ' µ f ' where as the ray ‘BH’ is
travelling in air ( µair = 1) . So, Optical Path Difference,
∆ = ( BD + DE ) µ f − ( BH ) µair = ( BD + DE ) µ f − ( BH ) (Q µair = 1) → (1)
Step(3) : from∆ le BDE , ∠N ' BD = ∠BDG = ∠GDE = ∠r and BD = DE , BG = GE.
DG t
Step(4) : from∆ le BDG, cos r = = (Q DG = t ) ⇒ BD = t
BD BD cos r
also, BD = DE ( from Step3) ∴ DE = t ⇒ ( BD + DE ) = 2t → (2)
cos r cos r
BG BG
Step (5) : le
from∆ BDG, tan r = = ⇒ BG = t tan r
DG t
also, BG = GE ⇒ GE = t tan r ( from Step3)
∴ BE = BG + GE = 2t tan r ⇒ BE = 2t tan r → (3)
PHYSICS - I
Step(6) : To find BH
from∆le BEH , ∠HBE = (90 − i ) and ∠BHE = 90o
So, ∠BEH = ∠i
BH BH
∴ sin i = = ( from eq3) ⇒ BH = 2t sin i tan r → (4)
BE 2t tan r
sin i
from Snell ' s law, µ f = ⇒ sin i = µ f sin r
sin r
sin 2 r
∴ BH = 2t µ f sin r tan r ⇒ BH = 2t µ f → (5)
cos r
Step(7) : Substituting eqn ' s (2) & (5) into eqn(1)
 2t  2t µ f sin 2 r  2t µ f  2
2t µ f
∆= µ
 f − =  (1 − sin r ) = cos 2 r
 cos r  cos r  cos r  cos r
∆ = 2t µ f cos r → (6)
Step (8): eqn(6) shows the optical path difference between ray1 & ray2, without consideration of phase change
of ray1. Because, the ray1 is reflected from a rarer-denser boundary an additional path difference is added or removed
i.e., ± λ from eqn(6)
2
∴∆ = 2 µ f t cos r ± λ → (7)
2
the above eq.(7) is called the general equation for Optical path difference.
Conditions for interference of ray1 & ray2:
Constructive Interference:
If the Optical path difference is equal to an integral multiple of wave length then the two rays interfere
constructively, i.e., ∆ = nλ where n = 0,1, 2,3........
Substitute in eq.(7), we have
2µ f t cos r − λ = nλ ⇒ 2 µ f t cos r = nλ + λ = n + 1 λ
2 2 2 ( )
2µ f t cos r = (2n + 1) λ where n = 0,1, 2,.... ( Brightness)
2
Destructive Interference:
If the optical path difference ' ∆ ' is equal to an odd multiple of half-wavelength then the two rays interference
destructively,
i.e., ∆ = (2n + 1) λ where n = 0,1, 2,3......
2
Substitute in eq.(7), we have
2 µ f t cos r ± λ = (2n + 1) λ
2 2
2 µ f t cos r + λ = (2n + 1) λ
2 2 2 2 2(
⇒ 2 µ f t cos r = (2n + 1) λ − λ = (2n + 1 − 1) λ = 2n λ
2 )
2 µ f t cos r = nλ where n = 0,1, 2,.... ( Darkness )
PHYSICS - I
MICHELSON’S INTERFEROMETER:
Construction: The Michelson’s interferometer consists of two optically plane mirrors M1 and M2 which are at right
angles to each other. Two glass plates G1 and G2 of same thickness and made
of same material placed parallel to each other. These plates are also inclined at
M1 an angle 45o with the mirrors M1 and M2. The face of G1 towards the G2 is
M2 ' semi-silvered. The mirror M1 is mounted on a carriage which can be moved
ray1 M2 forward or backward by using a micrometer screw. The mirror M1 and M2 are
G1 G2 provided with three screws to adjust M1 and M2 exactly perpendicular. ‘T’ is a
telescope which receives the refracted lights from mirrors M1 and M2.
O ray 2 Working (Production of circular & straight line fringes):
Light from an extended monochromatic source ‘S’ after bending
Micrometer Screw parallel by a collimating lens ‘L’ falls on the semi-silvered glass plate G1. It is
T now divided into two parts, one being reflected from G1 as ray1 which move
towards mirror M1 and the other transmitted as ray2 moves towards mirror M2.
E These rays 1&2 fall on M1 and M2 normally and retraces their original paths.
These rays meet together at G1 and enter the short focus telescope T. The glass
plate G2 makes the two rays to travel equal distances and is called a compensating glass plate.
Ray1&2 are derived from the same source and can produce interference fringes in the field of view of
telescope.
Looking in the direction M1 from point E, we can observe M1 and also the image M2’ of M2 formed in G1. So
these two mirrors M1 and M2 from an air film as shown in figure. M1
If the distance OM1 = x1 and OM2’ = x2 then the path difference between t
M2 '
interfering rays is given by, ∆ = 2 ( x1 − x2 ) (when glass is having thick silver coating)
x1 x2
and ∆ = 2 ( x1 − x2 ) ± λ (When glass is having thin silver coating)
2 G1
If 2 ( x1 − x2 ) = nλ , then a bright fringe is formed.
O
If 2 ( x1 − x2 ) = ( 2n + 1) λ , then a dark fringe is formed.
2
The interference fringes so formed may be straight, circular, parabolic
depending upon the path difference and the angle between mirrors M1 and M2’. M1
(i)Circular fringes: When mirror M2 is exactly perpendicular to mirror M1 or M1 is parallel M2 '
to M2’, an air film of constant thickness is enclosed between them. Thus air film gives
reflected beam to interfere and circular fringes are formed, at infinity. Hence these fringes
are observed through a telescope focused at infinity.
(ii)Localised fringes: When the mirror M2 is not exactly perpendicular to mirror M1 or M1
and M2’ are not exactly parallel, then the air M2 '
film formed between them is wedge-shaped M 1 M1
as shown in the adjacent figure. M1
M2 ' M2 '
These fringes are visible upto path difference
comparatively much smaller than that in case
of circular fringes.
Determination of wavelength of a monochromatic light using Michelson’s Interferometer:
The Michelson’s Interferometer is set for circular fringes with central bright spot.
The general equation for the Optical path difference, ∆ = 2 µ t cos r ± λ → (1)
2
If ‘t’ is the thickness of the air film enclosed between the two mirrors and ‘n’ is the order of the spot obtained,
then for normal incidence, Cos r = 1, then we have 2 t + λ = nλ → (2)
2
PHYSICS - I
Now, if M1 is moved a distance of away from M2’, then an additional path difference of ' λ ' is added and
hence (n+1)th bright spot appears. Thus each time when M1 is moved through a distance of λ , next bright spot is
2
λ λ λ
appeared. x1 − x2 = 1. , x1 − x2 = 2. , x1 − x2 = 3. ………..
2 2 2
So, if N is the number of fringes that cross the view when M1 is moved from initial position‘ x1’ to a final
λ 2 ( x1 − x2 )
position ‘ x2’, then x1 − x2 = N ⇒ λ= → (3)
2 N
The difference ( x1 − x2 ) is measured with micrometer screw and N can be counted.
Hence eqn(3) is used to determine the wavelength of a monochromatic source.
Determination of wavelength separation of two nearby wavelengths (or) Resolution of spectral lines:
Michelson’s interferometer is adjusted to obtain the circular fringes. Let the source has two wavelengths λ1
and λ2 , where ( λ1 > λ2 ) which are very close to each other (as Sodium D lines D1 and D2). The two wavelengths form
their separate fringe patterns and are practically coincide with one another because λ1 and λ2 are very close to each
other.
Now, if mirror M1 is moved slowly, the two patterns separate slowly and the dark fringe of λ1 falls on the
bright fringe of λ2 . Now, the mirror M1 is again moved through a distance‘ x’ such that next dark fringe of λ1 falls on
the bright fringe of λ2 . In this position, if ‘n’ fringes of λ1 appear in view, then (n+1) fringes of λ2 should appear in
λ1 λ2
the same view. Hence x=n and x = ( n + 1) → (1)
2 2
2x 2x
n= and ( n + 1) = → (2)
λ1 λ2
Subtracting eqn(1) and eqn(2),
2x 2x 2 x ( λ1 − λ2 )
( n + 1) − n = − =
λ2 λ1 λ1λ2
λ1λ2 λav2 λ1 + λ2
λ1 − λ2 = ⇒ λ1 − λ2 = whereλav =
→ (3)
2x 2x 2
Thus measuring the distance‘ x’ moved by M1, the difference between the two wavelengths can be determined.
NEWTON’S RINGS:
If a plano-convex lens with its convex surface placed on a glass plate is illuminated by a monochromatic light
falling normally onto the plane surface of lens, concentric bright and dark fringes are observed in the reflected light.
These circular fringes were discovered by Newton Travelling Microscope
and are called “Newton’s Rings”. M
Experimental arrangement:
The experimental arrangement is as shown Convex Lens 45o
in the adjacent figure.
o
‘L’ is a plano-convex lens of large radius of ' G ' Plane Glass Plate at 45
curvature. This lens ‘L’ is placed on a plane glass
plate ‘P’ with the convex surface in contact with
the glass plate. A glass plate ‘G’ which is placed at
45o with the vertical allows the light coming from Extended
the extended monochromatic source to fall monochromatic
normally on to the plane surface of plano-convex source Plano − Convex Lens ' L '
lens. A microscope ‘M’ is placed to view the Plane Glass Plate ' P '
D a rk B ackgrou n d
reflected rays transmitted from the glass plate ‘G’.
PHYSICS - I
Formation of Newton’s rings: A E I

Newton’s rings are formed due to the interference ray1 ray 2
between the waves reflected from the top and bottom
surface of the air film. B D H
In figure, AB is the monochromatic ray of light
falling on the plane surface of plano-convex lens. The ray
AB reflects from the top surface of the air film at ‘C’ G
along CDE as ray1. Also, the ray AB again reflects from t air film
C
the bottom surface of air film at ‘F’ along FGI as ray2.
Since ray2 is reflecting from the boundary of rarer-denser O F
medium, it undergoes a phase change of ' π ' and the path
difference of λ .
2
Since ray1 &ray2 are the components of a single ray AB, they are coherent in nature and can produce
interference fringes. The interference fringes so formed are circular and are localized in the air film which can be
observed in reflected light using a microscope.
Since Newton’s rings are observed in reflected light the optical path difference between rays 1 & ray2 is given
by, ∆ = 2 µ f t cos r ± λ . Here µ f = µ air = 1 , because here the thin film is air. ∴ ∆ = 2t ± λ 2
2
For normal incidence, r = 0o, so cos r = cos 0o = 1
At the point of contact ‘O’ of plano-convex lens ‘L’ and glass plate ‘P’, thickness of air film is zero, i.e., t = 0
∴ ∆ = ±λ
2
The above eqn(2) says that, the optical path difference is an odd multiple of half-
wavelength, so at the point of contact ‘O’ the fringe is dark coloured.
Therefore, for different values of ‘t’ different maxima and minima are occurred, and are
in circular form as shown in adjacent figure .
To calculate the diameter of fringes:
From the adjacent figure, ‘R’ is the ‘radius of curvature’ of the lens. Let a fringe be located at the point ‘C’
and the thickness of air film is CQ = t. Let ‘r’ be the radius of the fringe i.e., BC = AB = r.
By the theorem of intersecting chords, AB X BC = OB X BE (1)
But we know that AB = BC = r and OB = CQ = t E
∴ eqn.(1) becomes, r x r = t x BE, r2 = t x BE (2)
But BE = OE – OB = (OO’ + O’E) – OB = (R +R) – OB
BE = 2R – t (3)
R
Substitute eqn.(3) in eqn.(2)
r2 = t (2R – t) r2 = 2Rt – t2 (4)
Comparing t2 with 2Rt, 2Rt >> t2. O'
2 2
So, from eqn.(4), t can be neglected. ∴ r = 2Rt (5)
Case (i): Diameter of Bright fringe: R A B C
We know that, the optical path difference applicable for this
t t
situation is ∆ = 2t ± λ d
2 P O Q
But for bright fringe, the optical path difference must be an integral
multiple of wavelength,
i.e., ∆ = nλ where n = 0,1, 2,3........
λ λ  λ
So, 2t ± = nλ ⇒ 2t = nλ ± =  n ±  λ
2 λ 2  2
∴ 2t = ( 2n ± 1) where n = 0,1, 2... → (6)
2 λ λ
Substituting eqn.(6) in eqn.(5) rbright = (2n ± 1) R
2
⇒ rbright = (2n ± 1) R
2 2
PHYSICS - I
λ
Diameter of the bright fringe, dbright = 2rbright = 2 (2n ± 1) R ⇒ dbright = (2n ± 1)(2λ ) R
2
dbright ∝ (2n ± 1) → (7)
From eqn.(7), it is clear that, the diameter of Bright fringes is proportional to square root of the Odd natural
numbers.
Case (ii): Diameter of Dark fringe:
We know that, ∆ = 2t ± λ
λ 2
But for dark fringe,
∆ = ( 2n + 1) where n = 0,1, 2,3........
2
λ λ
So, 2t ± = ( 2n + 1)
2 2
λ λ λ λ
2t = ( 2n + 1) ± = ( 2n + 1 ± 1) = 2n
2 2 2 2
∴ 2t = nλ where n = 0,1, 2... → (8)
2
Substitute eqn.(8) in eqn.(5) rdark = nRλ ⇒ rdark = nRλ → (9)
Diameter of the dark fringe, d dark = 2rdark = 2 nRλ ⇒ d dark = 4nλ R
d dark ∝ n where n = 0,1, 2... → (10)
From eqn.(10), it is clear that, the diameter of dark fringes is proportional to square root of natural number.
Applications of Newton’s Rings Experiment:
1) To determine the wavelength of a monochromatic source: (Sodium vapour lamp)
Let ‘R’ be the radius of curvature of the lens in contact with the plate, ' λ ' be the wavelength of light used and
Dn and Dn + p be the diameters of nth and (n + p)th dark rings respectively, then
Dn2 = 4nλ R ( for dark fringe)
and Dn2+ p = 4(n + p)λ R
Dn2+ p − Dn2 = 4(n + p)λ R − 4nλ R ⇒ Dn2+ p − Dn2 = 4 pλ R
Dn2+ p − Dn2
∴λ = → (1)
4 pR
Using the above eqn.(1), we find ' λ ' of a monochromatic source.
Procedure:
1) Adjust the eyepiece of the microscope onto its cross wires to be placed exactly
vertical and horizontal.
2) Now the distance of the microscope from the film is adjusted to focus the central
dark fringe.
3) The cross-wires are adjusted with the fringe pattern as shown in the adjacent figure.
4) Now the microscope is moved to extreme left upto the 18th fringe and the reading is noted.
5) From 18th ring, now move the microscope towards right hand side to coincide with the 16th fringe and again
note the readings.
6) Continue the step5 by reducing two fringes till 2nd fringe.
7) Now continue towards right side of the dark fringe and note the reading at 2nd
dark fringe and continue till 18th by increasing the number of fringe by two. D2
8) Calculate diameter ‘D’ of the dark fringes by taking the difference between the Dn2+ p
readings taken on left hand side and the right hand side of the central dark
fringe. Dn2
9) Plot a graph by taking no. of fringe on X-axis and D2 values on Y-axis. A
straight line having a positive slope is obtained as shown in the adjacent O n n+ p
n o . o f r in g s
figure. Calculate the slope of the line obtained in the graph.
PHYSICS - I
2 2
AB Dn + p − Dn
10) From graph, Slope, =
CD n + p − n
Dn2+ p − Dn2
∴ Slope = → (2)
p l2 h
11) The radius of curvature ‘R’ of the plano-convex lens is calculated by using, R = + → (3)
Where ‘l’ is the distance between the two legs of the spherometer 6 h 2
and ‘h’ is the difference of the readings obtained when spherometer is placed on a plane surface and on the
convex surface of the plano-convex lens.
12) The wave length of the given monochromatic source is determined by substituting the values of Slope and
1  Dn + p − Dn  o
2 2
Radius of curvature in
λ=   A → (4)
4 R  p 
2) To determine the refractive index of a liquid:
First the experiment is performed when there is an air film between the glass plate and the plano-convex lens.
Now the total plano-convex lens and the glass plate system is placed in a container having liquid whose refractive
index is to be determined. Repeat the same experiment.
When there is air film between glass plate and plano-convex lens, we have
Dn2 = 4nλ R ( for dark fringe)
Dn2+ p = 4( n + p )λ R
Dn2+ p − Dn2 = 4 pλ R → (1)
When there is a liquid film between glass plate and plano-convex, we have
4nλ R
D '2n = ( for dark fringe)
µliquid
4(n + p)λ R
D '2n + p =
µliquid
4 pλ R
D '2n + p − D 'n2 = → (2)
µliquid
Dividing the eqn.(1) with eqn.(2), we get
D 2 − Dn2
µliquid = n2+ p → (3)
D 'n+ p − D '2n
Using the above eqn.(3), we can calculate the refractive index of the given liquid.
Interference of Optical technology: Elementary idea of anti-reflection coating
ANTI-REFLECTION (AR) COATINGS :
A thin transparent film coated on a surface of a substance in order to minimize the reflections from it is called
an Anti-Reflection Film.
Conditions for a thin film to act as an anti-reflecting film are
(i) Phase condition: The waves reflected from its top and bottom surfaces should have a phase change of ' π '
with the incident wave.
(ii) Amplitude condition: The reflected waves should have equal amplitudes.
Phase condition:
Let AB be the incident ray and BD (ray1) and CE (ray2) are the reflected rays from the top and bottom
surfaces of the film. A
D ray1 ray2
Let µa , µ f and µS be the refractive indices of air, film and π E
B π
substrate respectively, such that µa < µ f < µS . Ray1 is reflecting from the Thin Film , µ f
boundary of rarer-denser medium, so, it under goes a phase change of ' π ' S u b stra te , µ S C
µa < µ f < µS
introducing a path difference of λ . Similarly, ray2 is also reflecting from
2
the boundary of rarer-denser medium, so it undergoes a phase change of ' π ' introducing a path difference of λ 2
∆ = 2 µ f t cos r − λ − λ → (1)
2 2
PHYSICS - I
∴ The optical path difference between ray1&2 is

For normal incidence, r = 0o, so cos r = cos 0o = 1
∴∆ = 2 µ f t − λ → (2)
Neglecting ' λ ' , eqn.2 becomes, ∆ = 2µ f t → (3)
So from eqn.(3) it is clear that the optical path difference depends on thickness of the film.
But for anti-reflecting coatings, the two rays 1&2 must interfere destructively.
And, for destructive interference, ∆ = (2n + 1) λ → (4)
2
∴ eqn.(3) = eqn.(4)
2 µ f t = (2n + 1) λ → (5)
2
For minimum thickness of film, n = 0
∴ Eqn.(5) becomes, 2 µ f tmin = λ
2
 λ  1 
∴ tmin =    
 4   µ f 
( µ f < µS )
∴ from the above eqn, the thickness of the AR Coating should be One-Quarter of wavelength.
Such Quarter-wavelength coatings minimize the reflections and cause the right to pass into the transmitted
component.
2 2
Amplitude Condition:  µ f − µa   µS − µ f 
The reflectivities of ray1&2 are given by R1 = 
 µ + µ 
and R2 = 
 µ + µ 
 f a   S f 
According to the amplitude condition, the two waves should have equal amplitudes i.e., R1 = R2.
2 2
 µ − µa   µ S − µ f 
∴  f
 µ + µ   µ + µ 
=
 f a   S f 
Squaring rooting and cross multiplying on both sides, we have

∴ (µ f − 1)( µ S + µ f ) = ( µ f + 1)( µ S − µ f ) (Q µ a = 1)
2 2
∴ µ f µS + µ f − µS − µ f = µ f µS − µ f + µS − µ f
2
2µ f = 2 µ S
∴ µ f = µS
From the above equation, it is clear that the refractive index of film should be equal to square root of the refractive
index of substrate.
PHYSICS - I

Interference of Light by Mr. Charis Israel Ancha

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Interference of Light by Mr. Charis Israel Ancha

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Mr. A.CHARIS ISRAEL. M.Sc., B.Ed., (Ph.D.)

Formation of Newton’s rings: A E I

∴ The optical path difference between ray1&2 is

Squaring rooting and cross multiplying on both sides, we have

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