Interference fringe pattern on a thin cut cylinder slice

In summary, a thin slice is placed on a flat glass plate, creating a half cylindrical shape. Light passing through the slice is refracted and reflected, creating interference fringes. Further research on "Newton's rings" may provide more insight into the observed pattern.
  • #1
Anurag98
10
2
A thin slice is cut out of a glass cylinder along a plane parallel to its axis. The slice is placed on a flat glass plate as shown in the figure. The observed interference fringes from this combination shall be ______.

My thoughts
The thin slice will act as thin film but of half cylindrical shape and the light pass in the thin slice will first get refraced from the horizontal surface then from the round surface. But after the refraction from round surface, it will be reflected from the plane mirror at the end and it will then follow the same path but in opposite direction.

But, still, I am not able to see any pattern formed.
 

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  • #2
I suggest that you do some web research on "Newton's rings".
 

1. What causes the interference fringe pattern on a thin cut cylinder slice?

The interference fringe pattern on a thin cut cylinder slice is caused by the interaction of light waves as they pass through the slice. This results in constructive and destructive interference, creating a pattern of light and dark bands.

2. How is the interference fringe pattern affected by the thickness of the cylinder slice?

The interference fringe pattern is affected by the thickness of the cylinder slice. Thicker slices will result in more pronounced and widely spaced fringes, while thinner slices will have less distinct and closer spaced fringes.

3. Can the interference fringe pattern be used to determine the thickness of the cylinder slice?

Yes, the interference fringe pattern can be used to determine the thickness of the cylinder slice. By measuring the spacing between fringes and using the known wavelength of the light source, the thickness of the slice can be calculated using the equation t = (mλ)/(2n), where t is the thickness, m is the order of the fringe, λ is the wavelength, and n is the refractive index of the slice.

4. How does the refractive index of the cylinder slice affect the interference fringe pattern?

The refractive index of the cylinder slice plays a crucial role in the interference fringe pattern. A higher refractive index will result in a smaller spacing between fringes, while a lower refractive index will result in a larger spacing between fringes.

5. Can the interference fringe pattern on a thin cut cylinder slice be used for any practical applications?

Yes, the interference fringe pattern on a thin cut cylinder slice has practical applications in fields such as microscopy, surface analysis, and material characterization. It can also be used in interferometers for precise measurements of small changes in the refractive index of a material.

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