Thin Film Interference | Observing Puddles of Oil on Pavement

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of thin film interference observed in oil puddles on pavement, particularly under varying lighting conditions. It concludes that diffuse or scattered light enhances the visibility of swirling colors compared to direct light. Additionally, the angle of incident light plays a significant role, as does the presence of a thin layer of water beneath the oil, which creates additional reflective boundaries. The interaction of these factors contributes to the overall optical effects seen in these scenarios.

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  • Basic concepts of light scattering and diffuse illumination
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cepheid
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I have observed puddles of oil on the pavement with swirling colours more often on overcast days than sunny days. Does the phenonmenon of thin film interference work better with diffuse/scattered light than light coming directly from a source? Or, is it a question of light incident at an oblique angle rather than coming from directly overhead? OR, does it have less to do with the ambient lighting, and more to do with the rain, i.e. is there a thin layer of oil on top of a thin layer of water, adding additional reflective boundaries/optical media?
 
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It could be that the reflection from the oil-air interface is strong enough on a bright day to partially wash out the swirling colours.

Claude.
 

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