Minimum Glass Thickness (m) for Light of l=610nm, d=1.30mm, L=2.00m, n=2.2

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The discussion focuses on calculating the minimum glass thickness required for light of wavelength λ = 610 nm passing through a slit separation of d = 1.30 mm, with a screen distance L = 2.00 m and an index of refraction n = 2.2. The initial calculation of the distance between maxima (Dx) yielded 9.38 x 10^-4 m, which was then halved to account for the condition of Dx/2. The correct approach involves using the equation t = (m + 1/2)λ/(2n) to determine the minimum thickness of the glass plate, factoring in the path difference caused by the introduction of the glass.

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A pair of slits separated by d = 1.30 mm is illuminated with light of l = 610 nm wavelength and falls on a screen L = 2.00 m away. A piece of glass with index of refraction n = 2.2 is placed at one slit. If the maxima shift is Dx/2, and falls on a minimum, what was the minimum glass thickness (in meters)?

What I did:
I first found Dx using the equation: Dx = lL/d and got an answer of 9.38*10^-4

Then because it says Dx/2. I divided that number by 2.

After that, I wasn't sure which equation to use. The only equation that seemed likely was the t = (m + 1/2)λ/(2n) but in this equation, I can't use the number (Dx/2) that I've calculated. Am I using the right equation?
 
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pooka said:
What I did:
I first found Dx using the equation: Dx = lL/d and got an answer of 9.38*10^-4

Then because it says Dx/2. I divided that number by 2.
pooka said:
Dx gives you the distance of the first maximum from the central bright fringe and ( Dx + Dx/2) gives you the distance of the first maximum from the central bright fringe after introducing the thin plate.
From Dx and Dx + Dx/2, you can find the path difference between the two rays coming from the two sources by using the expression dx = Dx*d/D
Difference in the path difference is due the the normal shift produced in the thin glass plate.
Using the expression for the normal shift you can find the minimum thickness of the plate.
 

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