Finding Thickness of glass knowing OPD and refractive index.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the thickness of a glass window required to achieve an optical path difference (OPD) of 4.5 wavelengths using light from a sodium vapor lamp with a wavelength of 589.3 nm. The refractive index of the glass is given as 1.7, while the refractive index of air is assumed to be 1.0. The derived formula for thickness (t) is t = OPD / (n(s) - n(m)), resulting in a thickness of 6.4 microns. The wavelength of the sodium vapor lamp is relevant as it directly influences the calculation of OPD.

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Homework Statement



A beam of light is split into two coherent beams of intensity I which are in phase. The two
beams are sent through different paths and superimposed at the same spot on a screen. A path
difference is to be achieved by inserting a glass window of refractive index of 1.7 in the path of
one of the beams while keeping the physical (actual) path lengths the same. How thick must the
window be for an optical path difference of 4.5 wavelengths using light from a sodium vapour
lamp (λ = 589.3 nm)?

Homework Equations



OPD = t(n(s) - (n(m))

The Attempt at a Solution



n(s) = 1.7
n(m) = 1.0 (assuming it's in air.)
OPD = 4.5

OPD/(n(s) - (n(m)) = t
...changing the equation around.

4.5/(1.7-1.0) = t
t = 6.4 microns

is this right?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
What is the unit of t?
What is the purpose of giving the wavelength of sodium vapor lamp?
 

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