Help needed, no calculations just theory light and waves

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differing reflections of a fluorescent tube lightbulb on two identical monitors, one displaying a purple reflection and the other a white-ish hue. The user speculates that this discrepancy may be due to factors such as anisotropic dispersion in the monitor coating or thin film interference patterns. The conversation emphasizes the importance of monitor positioning and viewing angles in understanding the observed phenomena. Key considerations include the potential for manufacturing defects and the impact of monitor angle on light reflection.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light behavior, specifically dispersion and polarization
  • Familiarity with thin film interference concepts
  • Knowledge of monitor technology and coatings
  • Basic principles of optics and reflection
NEXT STEPS
  • Research anisotropic materials and their effects on light reflection
  • Study thin film interference and its applications in optics
  • Explore monitor manufacturing processes and potential defects
  • Investigate the impact of viewing angles on light perception in displays
USEFUL FOR

Optics enthusiasts, physics students, display technology engineers, and anyone interested in the interaction of light with materials.

mousemouse123
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
I am having trouble explaining this picture and i am hoping someone online could answer it.

I took a picture in a computer lab of 2 monitors, you can see the flurescent tube lightbulb reflection on both screens. the monitors are off.(they are the exact same brand no difference between them etc...)

1 monitor's reflection of the bulb and light was purple while the other one was white-ish(slightly blue)

can anyone tell me why, (is it caused by dispersion, polarization etc...) the monitors are at a different angle

thank you for your help. i just joined this forum and sorry if i posted this in the wrong category or something

EDIT: I thought more about this and could there be a possibility it is a thin film interference pattern. but what i don't understand is why its only happening to 1 monitor and not both if its a thin film interference...
 
Last edited:
Science news on Phys.org
Two things I first think of:

Could be anisotropic dispersion in the monitor coating material (might be designed that way for various viewing angles??)

Manufacturing defects, only a small difference in thickness is needed for different interferences for visible light wavelengths.

What happens if the monitors are at the same angle? and do they both vary the same when you change the angle?
 
Are they at same height?

Try placing them at same position and at same angle one by one

They look at them from same distance
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K