Where is fringe spacing measured from with white light?

In summary, fringe spacing refers to the distance between two adjacent maxima or minima. When observing white light, the maxima is the distance between two red wavelengths, two green wavelengths, or two blue wavelengths. However, it is also possible to measure the distance between the middle of one maxima to the middle of another maxima. This distance is the same regardless of whether it is measured from end to end or middle to middle. Ultimately, the specific measurement does not matter as long as the maxima or minima can be clearly identified among other wavelengths. This is why monochromatic light is often used, and why a color filter can be used to eliminate the effects of other wavelengths when observing a white light interference pattern.
  • #1
CAH
48
0
Fringe spacing is the distance between two adjacent maxima or minima.
For white light, is a maxima the distance from red to red (green to green, blue to blue..)? or the middle of the maxima to another middle of another maxima (i see that this distance will be the same since its middle to middle or end to end but still), does it matter?
 
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  • #2
No, it doesn't "matter" as long as you can really identify the maxima or minima in the presence of the other wavelengths. That's why people tend to use monochromatic light. You could always observe the white light interference pattern through a colour filter, to eliminate the effect of other wavelengths.
 

1. What is fringe spacing?

Fringe spacing refers to the distance between two adjacent fringes in an interference pattern.

2. What is white light?

White light is a combination of all the visible wavelengths of light, which our eyes perceive as the color white.

3. Where is fringe spacing measured from with white light?

With white light, fringe spacing is typically measured from the center of the central bright fringe to the center of the next bright fringe on either side.

4. Why is white light used to measure fringe spacing?

White light is used because it contains all the visible wavelengths of light, allowing for a more accurate measurement of fringe spacing.

5. How is fringe spacing calculated with white light?

Fringe spacing can be calculated by dividing the wavelength of the light source by the number of fringes present in the interference pattern. For white light, an average wavelength can be used to account for the different wavelengths present.

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