Three problems concerning light interference and snells

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SUMMARY

This discussion addresses three specific problems related to light interference and Snell's law. The first problem involves calculating the intensity fraction at a distance from the central maximum for a double-slit experiment using 656.3-nm light, yielding an intensity of 0.9146Imax. The second problem focuses on determining the thickness of an oil film on pavement that reflects red light at 640 nm and does not reflect yellow light at 548 nm, resulting in a calculated thickness of 861.54 nm. The third problem examines the minimum thickness of an antireflective coating with an index of refraction of 1.25 for 470 nm light, concluding that the optimal thickness is 188 nm.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light interference principles
  • Familiarity with Snell's law and refraction
  • Knowledge of the concept of index of refraction
  • Ability to perform calculations involving wavelength and film thickness
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of the double-slit interference formula
  • Study the principles of thin film interference in optics
  • Learn about the application of antireflective coatings in optical devices
  • Investigate the effects of varying indices of refraction on light behavior
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Students and professionals in physics, optical engineering, and materials science who are interested in understanding light behavior, interference patterns, and optical coatings.

minerslave4
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5. Two slits are separated by 0.195 mm. An interference pattern is formed on a screen 33.0 cm away by 656.3-nm light. Calculate the fraction of the maximum intensity a distance 0.600 cm away from the central maximum.

d =.000195m
L = .33 m
lambda = 656.3 nm
y = .006m

it's a small angle so sin = tan

by geometry, tan = y/L and sin = y/L

Intensity = Imax cos^2 (pi*d*sin/lambda) replace sin with y/L and numbers

I = Imax cos^2 (pi * .000195 * .006/.33 / 656.3e-9)
I get
I = .9146Imax

but it says my answer is off by a multiple of ten?

7. A thin film of oil (n = 1.30) is located on smooth, wet pavement. When viewed perpendicular to the pavement, the film reflects most strongly red light at 640 nm and reflects no yellow light at 548 nm. How thick is the oil film?

The layers are
Air n =1
oil n = 1.3
water n = 1.33
The path difference is equal to the thickness right

using 2tn = (m+.5)lambda for constructive interference and 2tn = m*lambda for destructive with constructive = 640nm, destructive = 548nm ?

dividing the equations by each other to find m:

constructive/destructive = (m+.5)/m
640/548 = 1 + 1/2m
m ~ 3

then plug back into one of equation to get t -> t = (3+.5)(640)/(2*1.30) = 861.54nm is this correct?

8. A material having an index of refraction of 1.25 is used as an antireflective coating on a piece of glass (n = 1.50). What should be the minimum thickness of this film in order to minimize reflection of 470 nm light?

this is destructive so

2tn = m*lambda

wait minimum reflection so m = 1? then if so

t = (1)(470nm)/(2)(1.25) = 188nm?
 
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7. Looks OK.
 

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