Interference in thin films; confusion regarding geometry

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the complexities of interference in thin films, specifically addressing the confusion surrounding the geometry of an angled air wedge between two films. The participants clarify that the equation ##2t = m\lambda## is used to determine positions of destructive interference, but the changing thickness of the wedge complicates its application. They confirm that both ##t## and ##\lambda## pertain to the characteristics of the second material, emphasizing the need for clarity in the book's explanations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between thickness and the variable ##m## in the context of interference patterns.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thin film interference principles
  • Familiarity with the equation of interference, ##2t = m\lambda##
  • Knowledge of the concept of normal incidence in optics
  • Basic grasp of wavelength behavior in different media
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the interference equation ##2t = m\lambda## in various contexts
  • Explore the effects of varying thickness in air wedges on interference patterns
  • Learn about the behavior of light at interfaces, specifically in angled incidence scenarios
  • Investigate the properties of wavelengths in different materials and their impact on interference
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in optics, physicists studying wave interference, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of thin film phenomena and interference patterns.

rtareen
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Instead of talking about the simple of case of reflection interference due to a single film, this book starts off with two films with an angled air wedge between them. They talk about the "thickness", ##t##, of the wedge, but this thickness varies along the length of the films (Figure 35.`12). This is and something else is causing me confusion when it comes to the example problems at the end.

Firstly, all of this is impossible because the book itself says that we are restricting discussion to normal incident rays. But you can see in figure 35.12 that the incident ray from the air wedge approaching the second glass film is not normal. Is this all just an approximation? How is it justified? I don't see how you can introduce this angled air wedge problem when you just proclaimed that all incident rays must be normal to the interfaces.

Second, in example problem 35.4, we use the equation ##2t = m\lambda## to try and find the positions along the length where there will be destructive reflection. But the problem is that the thickness of the air wedge is changing with each position, yet we use the same equation ##x = m(1.25 mm)## for each position when the thickness is changing with position. Or does the thickness depend on which value of ##m## you choose? That would make sense.

Finally, the book doesn't really say it, but when we talk about the equation ##2t = m\lambda##, both ##t## and ##\lambda## are characteristics of the second material only right? Thats what I think. Because were looking at how many wavelengths the ray travels through the thickess of the second material twice, right? The book doesn't say this clearly, and I want to confirm if this is right.
 

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Yes m numbers the successive dark fringes as you surmise.
The wavelength is the wavelength in the wedge of air between the slides ( I don't know what you mean by the "second material")
 
rtareen said:
Summary:: Question is regarding example problem 35.4. I attached the entire section for background.

Or does the thickness depend on which value of m you choose? That would make sense.
I think you must have read this wrong and then confusion set in. The equation is telling you the values of t where you get cancellation or enhancement. That's all there is to it. It's one of those 'inside out' statements that they throw at you at times.
 
sophiecentaur said:
I think you must have read this wrong and then confusion set in. The equation is telling you the values of t where you get cancellation or enhancement. That's all there is to it. It's one of those 'inside out' statements that they throw at you at times.
I can understand that. Thank you!
 
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hutchphd said:
Yes m numbers the successive dark fringes as you surmise.
The wavelength is the wavelength in the wedge of air between the slides ( I don't know what you mean by the "second material")
Thank you~
 
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