Path difference in Fabry-Perot etalon

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SUMMARY

The path difference in a Fabry-Perot etalon is defined as \(\Delta l = 2t \cos{\theta}\), where \(t\) represents the thickness of the etalon and \(\theta\) is the angle of incidence. This formula accounts for the optical path difference (OPD) due to multiple reflections within the etalon, as well as the necessary adjustments for the OPD outside the resonator. The discussion clarifies that simply using \(\Delta l = 2t/\cos{\theta}\) neglects these critical factors, leading to an incomplete understanding of the etalon's behavior in experiments such as those involving the Zeeman effect.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optical path difference (OPD)
  • Familiarity with Fabry-Perot etalon principles
  • Knowledge of the Zeeman effect in physics
  • Basic trigonometry related to angles of incidence
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Fabry-Perot etalon equations
  • Explore the applications of the Zeeman effect in spectroscopy
  • Learn about optical interference patterns produced by Fabry-Perot etalons
  • Investigate the impact of angle of incidence on optical path differences
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, optical engineers, and students studying interference phenomena and the Zeeman effect will benefit from this discussion.

hadoque
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Hi
I'm trying to understand how the Fabry-Perot etalon works for an experiment regarding the Zeeman effect.
Looking at the image could anyone tell me why the path difference in the etalon is \Delta l = 2t \cos{\theta}? In my head, the path difference is \Delta l = 2t/\cos{\theta}, in other words, just the length of two more reflections.
 

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Wow, I posted that question two years ago. Thanks for taking the time to answer it though.. :)
 

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