How the interference of light changes if there's a lens?

AI Thread Summary
The presence of a convergent lens in Young's experiment alters the interference pattern by making it smaller if placed after the beams combine and before the screen. Conversely, using a diverging lens enlarges the pattern, or moving the screen further away can also achieve this effect, though it results in a dimmer pattern. The rays from different image points only cross if the screen is positioned beyond the focal point of the lens, leading to an enlarged pattern. Understanding these effects is crucial for grasping geometrical optics in interference experiments. The interaction of light with lenses significantly impacts the visibility and size of interference fringes.
Luck0
Messages
22
Reaction score
1
Suppose we have the Young's experiment with a convergent lens between the slits and the screen. How would the interference fringes change? Sorry about the silly question, but I'm having a hard time with geometrical optics. Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Science news on Phys.org
If the lens is placed after the beams are combined, and before the screen ... then it will make the pattern smaller.

If you use a diverging (negative) lens, then the pattern will be enlarged ... or you can simply move the screen far away, but then the pattern will be dimmer.

The rays from the various image points don't cross each other unless your screen is past the focal point; in that case the pattern will be enlarged.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person

Similar threads

I Newton's rings at an oblique angle of incidence of light
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Question about two interference patterns viewed at infinity
Replies
7
Views
2K
I How to couple light from a very small source into spectrometer?
Replies
10
Views
1K
I Quetelet rings on LCD displays?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Interference of light by splitting the wavefront and recombining
Replies
8
Views
2K
Methods for capturing a Fabry-Perot Interference Pattern
Replies
2
Views
2K
Does the Thickness Affect a Semi-Mirror Spherical Lens' Characteristics?
Replies
5
Views
1K
I Using simple lenses to image AFM Probes
Replies
10
Views
2K
I How Can I Build an Effective DIY Helmet-Mounted HUD?
Replies
19
Views
4K
I Condenser lens retrofit for a lighting application
Replies
24
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top