Thin Film Interference Patterns

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around understanding thin film interference patterns, particularly when transitioning from air to a liquid medium. The initial reflections in air result in a phase shift of pi, while the introduction of a liquid with a refractive index of 4/3 alters the wavelength but maintains a phase shift of pi. Participants are seeking to derive an expression for the interference pattern and determine the thickness values that lead to destructive interference. The conversation highlights confusion regarding how to calculate these thickness values based on the phase shifts from reflections. Overall, the thread emphasizes the need for clarity on the relationship between phase shifts and interference outcomes in thin films.
jegues
Messages
1,085
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement



See figure attached.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Not too sure how to do this one.

I tried thinking about what it was doing before the air was replaced with the liquid.

With air,

The first reflection would have no phase shift (glass index to air index), the second reflection would have a phase shift of pi (air index to glass index) so overall we a have a phase shift of pi.

How do I obtain an expression about the interference pattern from this?

With the liquid instead of the air, we will still have a phase change of pi but the wavelength will change since the index of the liquid is 4/3 not 1.

Any ideas?

Thanks again!
 

Attachments

  • Q13.JPG
    Q13.JPG
    35.6 KB · Views: 456
Physics news on Phys.org
At what thickness values do you get destructive interference?

ehild
 
ehild said:
At what thickness values do you get destructive interference?

ehild

I have no clue. How do I go about figuring that out? I thought the type of interference I had was determined by the resultant phase shift (if any) of the 2 reflections.

Can you explain?
 
jegues said:
I thought the type of interference I had was determined by the resultant phase shift (if any) of the 2 reflections.

Yes, an the phase shift inside the wedge is 4pi times the thickness.

ehild
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
I was thinking using 2 purple mattress samples, and taping them together, I do want other ideas though, the main guidelines are; Must have a volume LESS than 1600 cubic centimeters, and CAN'T exceed 25 cm in ANY direction. Must be LESS than 1 kg. NO parachutes. NO glue or Tape can touch the egg. MUST be able to take egg out in less than 1 minute. Grade A large eggs will be used.
Back
Top