Reflected white light, thin transparent coating on glass

[aquabum619]

Homework Statement

Suppose a reflected white light is used to observe a thin transparent coating on glass as the coating material is gradually deposited by evaporation in a vacuum, Describe color changes that might occur during the process of building up the thickness of the coating

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

im not sure

 

[aquabum619]

The interference of waves reflected from the opposite surface of the film would cause a band of colors to be formed in the film.
Is this correct?

 

[lalbatros]

I think you should describe the geometry with more precision. (my feeling)
Do you mean a collimated beam shining with some angle on the thin film?
Or maybe it is a point source of white light illuminating the whole film?
How is the reflexion observed?
I think these links could be useful:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-reflective_coating
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresnel_equations
The derivation of the Fresnel laws in an EM course could be instructive.
Finally, you should ask yourself the question: why would different colors behave differently in the reflexion? What is the reason?
I could not find the full theory of the thin film on the web, you should try.