Exploring Interference Patterns in Air Wedges

In summary, the conversation discusses the formation of an air wedge between two glass plates and the resulting dark spot due to destructive interference. The question then arises about what would happen if the wedge was reversed, with a glass wedge and "air plates." It is suggested that the pattern would remain the same due to another destructive interference at the edge. The equations for constructive and destructive interference are also mentioned, with the note that they would hold for a medium with a refractive index of N.
  • #1
caliver
1
0

Homework Statement


It's not a specific question. It's more of a general knowledge. As you know, an air wedge forms when two glass plates have one ends meeting each other and the other ends opening up.
Here's the diagram: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_g3mLW-twYGc/R-EDX7CqirI/AAAAAAAAALc/v7csfR3s8Vc/s400/wedge1.bmp

And in this air wedge, a dark spot forms at the edge due to destructive interference.

But, what happens if the wedge is reversed? So instead of having two glass plates, what if there is a glass wedge with "air plates"?
Would the pattern be inverted?


Homework Equations


constructive 2t = (m+1/2) lambda
destructive 2t = (m) lambda


The Attempt at a Solution


I think the pattern will be the same because there is another destructive interference (a phase difference of pi) at the edge. Correct me if I am wrong.
 
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  • #2
" Relevant equations
constructive 2t = (m+1/2) lambda
destructive 2t = (m) lambda"

If the wedge is made from a medium of refractive index N, the equations will hold for N*t instead of t.

ehild
 

Related to Exploring Interference Patterns in Air Wedges

1. What is an air wedge and how does it create interference patterns?

An air wedge is a thin wedge-shaped gap between two surfaces filled with air. When light passes through this gap, it creates interference patterns due to the varying thickness of the air wedge, causing a difference in the path lengths of the light waves.

2. How do interference patterns in air wedges differ from those in other mediums?

The interference patterns in air wedges are unique because the thickness of the wedge can be easily adjusted, resulting in a change in the interference pattern. In other mediums, such as thin films or gratings, the thickness is fixed and the interference pattern is determined by the characteristics of the medium.

3. What factors affect the interference pattern in an air wedge?

The interference pattern in an air wedge is affected by the wavelength of light, the angle of incidence, and the thickness of the wedge. Changes in any of these factors can alter the interference pattern.

4. Can the interference pattern in an air wedge be predicted?

Yes, the interference pattern in an air wedge can be predicted using the equations for thin film interference. However, the pattern may be more complex due to the varying thickness of the wedge.

5. What are the applications of studying interference patterns in air wedges?

Studying interference patterns in air wedges can have practical applications in fields such as optics, metrology, and nanotechnology. It can also help in understanding the behavior of light and improving resolution in optical systems.

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