Physical optics Definition and 17 Threads

I'm often confused about when it's appropriate to use geometric optics (ray tracing) and when it's necessary to switch to wave optics and analyze the wavefront instead. For example, in many interference problems, the conclusions derived from ray tracing are often correct—even though...

In Fourier optics analysis, is it reasonable to multiply the wavefront function by the screen function of the diffraction screen to obtain the wavefront distribution behind the screen? This approach seems to yield results that differ from those obtained using the Kirchhoff diffraction integral...

So, what I do not understand 1st and foremost is, when they say "see the film", does the light have to be reflected from the film or can I consider refraction of light through thin film also a case using which image can be formed? To be honest, I have solved this question before, but the problem...

As the value of cos##\theta_{t}## comes out to be greater than 1 so I tried to calculate the minimum value of d the thickness of film which turned out to be approximately 173 nm. Which clearly reflects the fact that the thickness is not enough to produce the fringes. Am I right? Is the question...

I first thought that the angle would have to be maximum when it is closest to the critical angle for total internal reflection. From my lectures the equation for the critical angle is ##\theta _1>\ sin ^{-1} \left( \frac {n_2} {n_1} \right),## so as ##n_2 = 1##, we have ##\theta _1=\sin...

I know I have to use λ=xd/L. But I don't know what any of those variables (except lambda) mean. If you assume that 0.59 is x times d, you can get an answer that is close. 0.59/100 = 5.9*10^-3. Can someone explain the solution and meanings of variables using a diagram? (The answer to the...

I am extremely confused by the use of the term coefficient of increase of something. For example , if it is stated that the index of refraction varies linearly with a coefficient of 2.5×10^-5, how is this coefficient defined? Is it simply the slope of the line plotted with index of refraction on...

When trying to explain reflection through the EM treatment of light waves, how do we account for the fact that the electric/magnetic field of the incoming light would penetrate into the medium from which it is reflecting off of? Diagrams like these: show the 'reflection point' on the axis of...

Can anyone tell me a self teaching book or lecture notes on physical optics which has all the concept written in very clear and simple way with lots of example and all the related derivation done in step by step manner . As I am not so familiar with this subject but I want to start it so a good...

I am required to simulate the propagation of a the wavefront produced by a laser light (about 633 nm) passing through a system of lens and undergoes a few reflection. What I did at the moment is to do ray tracing, record the optical path length of each ray, then connect every point of the same...

Homework Statement Hi guys, I have 3 questions on physical optics, I really don't know where to start or what equations to use. Sorry for the horrible drawings by the way http://yfrog.com/0dfigure1p 1) Coherent monochromatic light of wavelength, lambda, in air is incident on two narrow slits...

i would like to ask a que regarding physical optic,so let's nt beating abt the bush, QUE:A laser beam is incident on a 1.50 x 10^4 grove per inch diffraction grating.The wavelength of the light produced by the laser is 6.30nm and the interference pattern is observed on a screen 2.00m from the...

Hi there, I was doing some past year paper of my coming exam...and I got the answers for the question too, but one part I'm totally blur and can't understand that well... well here goes all the questions and solution: http://server3.uploadit.org/files/chickens-phyQ.jpg...

1. One of the two slits in a double-slit interference arrangement is closed with a thin strip of glass of refractive index 1.4 and the other slit is closed with a thin strip of transparent plastic with refractive index 1.7. On doing this, the centre of the interference pattern on the screen is...

I have my question,solution,doubt in the attachment that followed.Thanks for anybody that spend sometime on this question.

Physical Optics: Interference & Diffraction Here's my question: Two identical rectangular pieces of glass are laid on top of one another on a plane surface. A thin strip of paper is inserted between them at one end, so that a wedge of air is formed. The plates are illuminated by...