Sweat on Screen, Interference or Refraction?

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SUMMARY

The phenomenon of colors appearing on a mobile or laptop screen when sweat is present can be explained through two optical properties: interference and refraction. When the display is off, the colors result from reflection and interference due to a thin film of sweat on the screen. Conversely, when the display is on, the colors are primarily due to refraction as droplets of sweat enlarge the subpixels of the screen. This duality highlights the complex interactions of light with surfaces and materials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optical properties: interference and refraction
  • Familiarity with thin-film interference concepts
  • Basic knowledge of how LCD and OLED screens operate
  • Awareness of light behavior in different mediums
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Thin-film interference" and its applications in optics
  • Study "Refraction of light" and its effects on various surfaces
  • Explore the operational principles of "LCD and OLED displays"
  • Investigate "Light reflection" and its role in visual perception
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the science of light and its interaction with materials, particularly in the context of display technology.

Biniamin Piash
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When we touch the screen of a mobile or laptop we can see some colors on the sweat adhered to the screen.Which property of light can explain it? Is it for interference or for refraction?
 
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I would think it would be the screen light refracting in addition to the outside light reflecting. Anyone else?
 
If there's a thin film on the screen, then it's interference.
 
Biniamin Piash said:
Is it for interference or for refraction?
Colors you see when the display is off are reflection and interference at a thin film. Colors you see with display on are refraction at droplets enlarging sub pixels.
 
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A.T. said:
Colors you see when the display is off are reflection and interference at a thin film. Colors you see with display on are refraction at droplets enlarging sub pixels.
Can you tell it in more details?
 

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