Young's double slit experiment with one slit covered with block of refractive index

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on Young's double slit experiment, specifically analyzing how introducing a block with a refractive index affects the interference pattern. The intensity pattern is derived using the formula I(θ)=4I0cos²(∏dsin(θ)/λ), and calculations for maxima and minima are provided. The impact of the block's thickness and refractive index on the optical path difference is explored, leading to questions about how to adjust the equations for maxima and minima. Participants suggest considering the wavelength change in a medium and the implications for path differences in the interference pattern. The conversation emphasizes the need to understand the relationship between optical path differences and interference conditions when modifying the experimental setup.
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Homework Statement



The interference pattern formed is given by I(θ)=4I0cos2(∏dsin(θ)/λ). For d=1×10-5m and λ=500nm plot the intensity pattern as a function of θ for small θ. How would this change if a block of material of thickness 500nm and refractive index n=1.5 were placed over one slit (without altering the intensity from that slit)?

Please see the attachment

Homework Equations



sin(θ)≈θ
I(θ)=4I0cos2(∏dsin(θ)/λ)

maybe these:

Maxima at d sin(θ)=mλ for m=0,1,2, ...
Minima at d sin(θ)=(m+0.5)λ for m=0,1,2, ...

The Attempt at a Solution



1st maxima at θ=sin-1(0)=0 radians
1st minima at θ=sin-1(λ/2d)=0.025 radians
2nd maxima at θ=sin-1(λ/d)=0.05 radians
2nd minima at θ=sin-1(3λ/2d)=0.075 radians
3rd maxima at θ=sin-1(2λ/d)=0.1 radians

Then I subbed these into I(θ)=4I0cos2(∏dsin(θ)/λ) & plotted this with θ on the x-axis and I(θ) on the y-axis. I'm not sure is that's right but I can't seem to figure out the second part
 

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If I(θ)=4I0cos2(∏dsin(θ)/λ), then what do you know about dsin(θ)/λ?

Also, what do you know about the wavelength of light with refractive index n?
 


Rayquesto said:
If I(θ)=4I0cos2(∏dsin(θ)/λ), then what do you know about dsin(θ)/λ?

Also, what do you know about the wavelength of light with refractive index n?

Wavelength in medium, λ = λ0/n where λ0 = wavelength in vacuum

so would optical path difference, δ=r2 - (r1-t+nt)=(yd/L)-(n-1)t
where r2 = distance between slit 2 and P, r1 = distance between slit 1 and P & t=thickness of block with refractive index n ?

I'm not sure what I'm supposed to know about dsin(θ)/λ. Is it that it's equal to δ/λ?
Would the maxima for this situation occur at (yd/L)-(n-1)t=mλ or (yd/L)-(n-1)t=(m+0.5)λ?
 


Actually, your first part is correct, but as far as the second part,

Here's an idea I had in mind:

Since we know m=dsin(θ)/λ for all maximas, then you could simply find the intensity at the maximas by replacing I(θ)=4I0cos2(∏dsin(θ)/λ) with I(θ)=4I0cos2(∏m)

Just an idea.

Also what I had in mind was changing everything from double slit interference to diffraction.

When single slit interference occurs, it implies diffraction exists. Have you studied that? It differs from double slit interference by a few concepts of phase changes, if you know what I mean.
 


A9876 said:
Wavelength in medium, λ = λ0/n where λ0 = wavelength in vacuum

so would optical path difference, δ=r2 - (r1-t+nt)=(yd/L)-(n-1)t
where r2 = distance between slit 2 and P, r1 = distance between slit 1 and P & t=thickness of block with refractive index n ?

I'm not sure what I'm supposed to know about dsin(θ)/λ. Is it that it's equal to δ/λ?
Would the maxima for this situation occur at (yd/L)-(n-1)t=mλ or (yd/L)-(n-1)t=(m+0.5)λ?

I think doing this is the way to go, because the path difference depends on the difference in lamda between two light waves that interfere with one another. Forget the diffraction idea. I'm so used to thinking about these experimental type concepts with the assumption that the wavelength has to be the same no matter what. I never thought about it in this way.
 
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