Lenses often contain thin coatings to reduce reflections....

  • Thread starter Thread starter AlexisFair
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Lenses
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Lenses utilize anti-reflective (AR) coatings to minimize reflections and UV radiation. The AR coatings achieve this by creating conditions for destructive interference, where light waves reflected from both surfaces of the coating cancel each other out, significantly reducing glare. Additionally, UV blockage is primarily accomplished through the lens material itself, which absorbs UV radiation. Understanding these principles is essential for anyone studying optics or lens design.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optical physics concepts, specifically light wave behavior
  • Familiarity with anti-reflective (AR) coatings and their applications
  • Basic knowledge of destructive interference in wave theory
  • Ability to interpret and apply mathematical equations related to optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of destructive interference in wave optics
  • Study the mathematical equations governing light reflection and transmission
  • Explore the different types of anti-reflective coatings and their specific applications
  • Examine materials used in lens manufacturing for UV radiation absorption
USEFUL FOR

Students in optics, physics enthusiasts, and professionals involved in lens design and manufacturing will benefit from this discussion.

AlexisFair
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Lenses often contain thin coatings to reduce reflections and UV radiation. Explain how this works.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


To reduce reflections on lenses, known as back-glare, they are often coated in what is called anti-reflective (AR). The AR causes the intensity of light reflected from the inner surface and the light reflected from the outer surface of the film to be nearly equal. The two reflections from each side of the film cancel each other out through destructive interference therefore decreasing the glare. In short, AR works by shifting the light waves out of phase resulting in destructive interference minimizing the glare. As the reflections are cancelled, energy still has to go somewhere and thus transmits into the lenses. In addition, most UV blockage is done by making the lens from a material that absorbs UV radiation.This question is very simple for a lot of my classmates but I ten too lose marks on these types of questions as english is not my second language. But yes, is my answer correct and is it clear to read?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your answer is clear to read as far as the English is concerned. Did you write it yourself? More importantly, do you understand what it is saying and do you think you will be able to solve a problem that requires you to use the ideas that your answer expresses?
 
kuruman said:
Your answer is clear to read as far as the English is concerned. Did you write it yourself? More importantly, do you understand what it is saying and do you think you will be able to solve a problem that requires you to use the ideas that your answer expresses?

Yes I did. I got some help from our textbook but I did not want to plagiarize it. I use my own words as much as possible without changing any of the theories. Yes I do, for the most part I understand the concepts is just my english structure can sometimes mess up what I want to say when i write answers or do essays. Then again, I made this account to double check my work (Also, to gain some help if I'm unclear of something.) and to see if i have made a mistake and to see if i can include more or do more. I'm not the most smartest student but I'm willing to learn and try.

Should I include anything else? Maybe include "destructive interference is when one waves crest meets another waves troph" ?
 
Last edited:
You have done well. Expressing these ideas in your own words helps your understanding. Yes, I think it will be a good idea to explain destructive interference and write an equation or two showing mathematically what is going on. Since you asked to correct your English, the crest of one wave meets the trough not "troph". If you want to include more, you need to understand more and perhaps go beyond your textbook. You can start here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-reflective_coating specifically section 3.3, "Interference coatings." I or someone else could re-check your answer if you choose to add more to it.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
6K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
5K