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In the case of coherent waves, combine amplitudes vectorially and square the resulting amplitude
to obtain a quantity proportional to Luminous Intensity.
In the case of incoherent waves, square the individual amplitudes to obtain quantity proportional
to individual intensity and add the individual intensities.
Fig. 1.7
B+C
C B
we have
cos
Using the trigonometric relation, sin B + sin C = 2 sin
2
2
t + t +
t + t
E = Eo 2 sin
cos
2
2
Wave Optics
I = kE2
I o = kE2
or
I E
=
I o Eo
I
= (2 cos b)2 from equation (1.6)
Io
= 4 cos2 b
(or)
I q = 4I o cos2
(or)
I q = Im cos2 b
...(1.7)
2
f = d sin q
or
b =
d sin q
The intensity pattern for the double slit interference is shown in the Fig. 1.8.
...(1.8)
...(1.9)
Engineering Physics
Wave Optics
The distances d and D can easily be determined by placing a convex lens between the biprism and
the screen/eyepiece. For a fixed position of the eyepiece, there will be two positions of the lens
(L1 or L2) where the images S1 and S2 can be seen at the eyepiece. Let d1 be the distance between the
two images where the lens is at L1 (b1 from eyepiece to L1). Similarly d2 b2 for L2 position of the
lens.
\
d =
and
D = b1 + b 2
= a + c = distance from source to screen or eyepiece.
d1d 2
Let XY and X'Y' be the two surfaces of a transparent film of uniform thickness t and refractive
index as shown in figure 1.11. Suppose S is a monochromatic source of light. Suppose a ray SA is
incident on the upper surface XY at an angle i. This ray is partly reflected along AR and refracted along
AB at an angle r. At B it is incident at angle r. Here it undergoes reflection along BC at an angle r and
refraction along BT at an angle i. At C also it undergoes refraction along CR1 and reflection along CD.
This process will continue for a number of times until the intensity becomes very very small. The rays
BR and CR1 are derived from the same ray SA and travel in the same direction they interfere. To find
out the effective path difference between the rays AR and CR1 draw a normal CE on AR and normal
AF on BC. Produce the normal at A and the ray CB in the backward direction until they meet. Suppose
they meet at Q. From the geometry of the figure, ACE = i and CAF = r. The optical path difference
between the two reflected light rays (AR and CR1) is given by
D = Path (AB + BC) in film; Path AE in air
= (AB + BC) AE
...(1.11)
10
Engineering Physics
Experimental Arrangement
The experimental arrangement of obtaining Newton's rings is shown in figure. L is a plano convex lens
of large radius of curvature. This lens with its convex surface is placed on a plane glass plate G. The
lens makes contact with the plate at O. Light from an extended monochromatic source such as sodium
Wave Optics
11
lamp falls on a glass plate G' held at an angle 45 with the horizontal. The glass plate G' reflects a part
of the incident light towards the air film enclosed by the lens L and the glass plate G. A part of the
incident light is reflected by the curved surface of the lens L and a part is transmitted which is reflected
back from the plane surface of the plate. These two reflected rays interfere and give rise to an interference
pattern in the form of circular rings. These rings are localised in the air film, and can be seen with a
microscope focussed on the film.
Fig. 1.12b
Engineering Physics
12
r2
(2n 1) R
2
(2n 1)R
D2
=
or
2
4
or
or
D =
2R (2n 1)
D A (2n 1)
Thus the diameters of the bright rings are proportional to the square roots of odd natural numbers
as (2n 1) is an odd number.
This shows that the difference in the squares of the diameters of the rings is constant.
Similarly for a dark ring
or
2r2/2r = nlR
or
D 2 = 4 nlR
or
D = 2 nR n
Thus diameters of dark rings are proportional to the square roots of natural numbers.
If Dm and Dn are the diameters of the mth and the nth rings we have
Wave Optics
13
Procedure
First of all the eyepiece of the microscope is adjusted on its crosswires. Now the distance of the
microscope from the film is adjusted such that the rings with dark centre are in focus.
The centre of the crosswires is adjusted at the centre of the rings pattern. The microscope is
moved to the extreme left of the pattern and the crosswire is adjusted tangentially in the middle of a
clearly nth bright or dark ring. The reading of micrometer screw is noted. The microscope is now
moved to the right and the reading of micrometer screw are noted at successive rings etc., till we are
very near to the central dark spot.
Again crossing the central dark spot in the same direction, the readings corresponding to successive
rings are noted on other side. Now a graph is plotted between number of rings n and the square of the
corresponding diameter. The graph is shown in Fig. 1.13. If Dm and Dn are the diameters of the mth and
nth rings and R is the radius of curvature of curved surface of the lens the wavelength of the sodium
light is given by
l=
Dm2 Dn2
Slope
=
4(m n) R
4R
D2
S lo p e
Fig. 1.13
Engineering Physics
14
The radius R of the plano-convex lens can be obtained with the help of spherometer using the
l2 h
+ . Here l is the distance between the two legs of the spherometer and h is
6h 2
the difference of the readings of the spherometer when it is placed on the lens as well as when placed
on lens surface.
Let R be the radius of curvature of the surface in contact with the plate, l the wavelength of light
used and Dm and Dn be the diameters of mth and nth bright rings respectively, then
following formula R =
Dm2 = 2(2m 1) lR
Dn2 = 2(2n 1) lR
and
or
or
...(1.18)
Dm2 Dn2 .
2
D'm
D'2n
...(1.19)
NUMERICAL EXAMPLES
1. A thin sheet of plastic of refractive index 1.6 is placed in the path of one of the interfering
beams in Youngs experiment using light of wavelength 5890 . If the central fringe shifts
through 12 fringes, calculate the thickness of the sheet.
(OU, 2003)
Solution: Given Data
l = 5890 108 cm
refractive index () = 1.6
order of the fringe (m) = 12
optical path of beam with plastic sheet = x t + t
and the path of another beam
=x
\ path difference
= x t + nt x
= ( 1) t = nl for maxima
\
l=
( 1)t
or
m
Wave Optics
15
n
12
5890 10 8 12
=
=
( 1)
(1.6 1)
0.6
8
= 1178 10 cm.
t=
2. The path of one of the interfering beams in biprism experiment, a thin sheet of mica of
refractive index 1.55 is placed. A light of wavelength 5893 is incident on it. Calculate the
thickness of the sheet if the central fringe shifts through 10 fringes.
(OU, 2000)
Solution: Given Data
l = 5893 108 cm
refractive index (n) = 1.55
order of the fringe (m) = 10
optical path of beam with plastic sheet = x t + t
and the path of another beam = x
\ path difference is = x t + t x
= ( 1) t = n l
10 5893 10 8
5893 10 7
n
=
=
1.55 1
0.55
( 1)
8
t = 1071.45 10 cm.
3. In double slit arrangement, a strong green light of wavelength 5460 is used. The slits are
0.01 cm apart and the screen is placed 20 cm away. What is the angular position of the first
minima?
Solution: Given Data
For first minimum n = 0 and
distance between slits (d) = 0.01 cm.
wavelength of light (l) = 5460 108 cm.
\t=
or
sin q = n +
1.
2 d
1 5460 10
= 0 +
2
0.01
= 0.0027
Since when q is very small, sin q q
\ q = 0.0027 radians
= 0.16
Engineering Physics
16
4. A parallel beam of light (l = 5890 108cm) is incident on plate (m = 1.5) such that the
angle of refraction into the plate is 60. Calculate the smallest thickness of the glass plate,
which will appear dark by reflection.
Given that
m = 1.5,
r = 60,
cos 60 = 0.5
n = 1,
l = 5890 108 cm
Applying 2t cos r = nl
n
1 5890 10 8
=
2 cos r
2 1.5 0.5
\ The minimum thickness of the film
We get t =
t = 4.207 105 cm
5. A soap film 4 105 cm thick is viewed at an angle of 35 to the normal. Find the wavelengths
of light in the visible spectrum which will be absent from the reflected light (m = 1.33).
Let i be angle of incidence and r the angle of refraction
Give that
i = 35
and = 1.33,
r=?
sin i
sin 35
or
1.33 =
sin r
sin r
We get
r = 25.55 and cos r = 0.90
Apply the relation
2 t cos r = nl
and taking t = 4 105 cm
(i) For the first order, n = 1
\
l = 2 1.33 4 105 0.90
= 9058 105 cm
which lies in the infra-red (invisible) region.
(ii) For the second order, n = 2
2l2 = 2 1.33 4 105 0.90
l2 = 4.79 105 cm
which lies in visible region.
(iii) Similarly, taking n = 3
l3 = 3.19 105 cm
which also lies in the ultraviolet range.
Hence, absent wavelength in the reflected light is 4.79 105 cm
6. A parallel beam of light (l = 5890 ) is incident on a thin glass plate (m = 1.5) such that the
angle of refraction is 60. Calculate the smallest thickness of the plate which will appear
dark by reflection.
Given that = 1.5 and r = 60; cos 60 = 0.5, l = 5890 or l = 5890 1010 m
For minimum thickness n = 1
Applying 2t cos r = nl
Applying =
We have
n
t = 2 cosr
Wave Optics
17
1 5890 10 10
t =
2 1.5 0.5
t = 3926 1010 m
t = 3.926 104 mm
7. A soap film of refractive index 1.33 is illuminated with light of different wavelengths at an
angle of 45. There is complete destructive interference for l = 5890 . Find the thickness
of the film.
Given that
m = 1.33
r = 45
cos 45 = 0.707
l = 5890 = 5890 1010 m
n =1;t= ?
Applying 2t cos r = nl
Thickness of the film t =
n
2 cosr
1 5890 10 10
2 1.33 0.707
t = 3.132 107m
t = 3.132 104 mm
8. A thin film of soap solution is illuminated by white light at an angle of incidence, i =
4
sin1 . In reflected light, two dark consecutive overlapping fringes are observed
5
4
corresponding to wavelengths 5.1 107 m and 5.0 107 m. m for the soap solution is .
3
Calculate the thickness of the film.
Here
nl 1 = (n + 1)l2
n(5.1 107) = (n + 1) 5 107
n = 50
t =
sin i =
=
sin r =
4
5
4
sin i
=
3
sin r
4/5
sin i
=
= 0.6
4/3
Engineering Physics
18
n1
50 5.1 107
=
2 cos r
2 (4 / 3)0.8
Rm
or Diameter (d) = 2r = 2
Rm
or
= 4 lRm
2
\ D1 = 4lR n1
D2
...(1)
4 l Rn1 = 4 80 lR
\ n1 = 80
10. In Newton rings experiment, the diameter of the 5 th and 15 th rings respectively was
0.336 cm and 0.590 cm. If the wavelength of light is 5890 . Find the radius of curvature
of lens surface in contact with plane glass plate.
(OU, 2000)
Solution: Given data
Dm = D15 = 0.590 cm
Dn = D5 = 0.336 cm
l = 5890 108 cm
m = 15 n = 5
We know that in the Newtons rings experiment (R)
R=
2
D15
Dm2 Dn2
D52
=
4(m n)
4(10)
(0.590) 2 (0.336) 2
4 5890 10 8 10
= 99.8 cm
Wave Optics
19
11. Newtons ring arrangement is used with a source emitting two wavelengths l1 = 6000 and
l2 = 4500 and it is found that the nth dark ring due to l1 coincides with (n + 1) th dark ring
for l2. Find the diameter of nth dark ring of l1 if the radius of curvature of the lens
R = 90 cm.
(OU, 2002)
Solution: Given data
Wavelength l1 = 6000 108 cm
l2 = 4500 108 cm
radius of curvature R = 90 cm
Let dn be the diameter of nth ring corresponding to wavelength l1, then diameter of
(n + 1)th dark ring corresponding to wavelength l2 will also be dn
dn2 = 4n1 R
...(1)
d n2 = 4(n + 1) 2 R
and
...(2)
1+
60
1
=
n
45
15
1
1
60
1 =
=
=
n
45
3
45
\ n = 3. Putting the value of n in eq. (1)
d n2 = 4 3 6000 108 90
\ dn = 0.2545 cm
12. Newtons rings are observed in reflected light of wavelength 5900 . The diameter of 10th
dark ring is 0.50 cm. Find the radius of curvature of the lens and the thickness of the air
film.
(OU 2001, 2003)
Solution: Given data
Wavelength of light (l) = 5900 108 cm
Diameter of the mth ring (D10) = 0.50 cm
Say, Diameter of the nth ring (Do) = 0
2
Dm2 Dn2
Dm
=
Therefore radius of curvature (R), R =
4 ( m n)
4 m
R=
0.50 0.50
4 5900 10
10
0.25
4 59 105
25
= 105.96 cm.
4 59 10 3
\ R = 105.93 cms.
=
Engineering Physics
20
13. Newtons rings are formed with reflected light of wavelength 5.895 105 cm. with a liquid
between the plane and the curved surface. The diameter of the 5th dark ring is 0.3 cm and
the radius of curvature of the curved surface is 1 metre. Calculate the refractive index of the
liquid.
Solution: Wavelength of light (l) = 5.895 105 cm
Diameter of 5th dark ring D5 = 0.3 cm
Radius of curvature R = 1m = 100 cm
For the ring system to be dark, we have
d n2
= nl
4R
4 Rn
=
d n2
4 100 5 5.895 10 5
0.3 0.3
= 1310 105+2
= 1.31
\ Refractive index of liquid is 1.31
14. In Newtons rings experiment the diameter of 10th ring changes from 1.40 cm to 1.20 cm
when a liquid is introduced between the lens and the plate. Calculate the refractive index of
the liquid.
For liquid medium D12 =
4nR
...(i)
...(ii)
=
D1
Here D1 = 1.20 cm, D2 = 1.40 cm
1.40
= 1.361
m=
1.20
15. In a Newtons rings arrangement, if a drop of water ( = 4/3) is placed in between the lens
and the plate, diameter of the 10th ring is found to be 0.5 cm. Obtain the radius of curvature
of the face of the lens in contact with the plate. The wavelength of light used is 6000 .
Dn2 =
4
, Dn = 0.5 cm
3
n = 10, l = 6000 = 6 105 cm
R =?
Here
4nR
Dn2
or R =
4n
Wave Optics
21
4 (0.5) 2
R =
3 4 10 6 10 5
= 139 cm
16. Newtons rings are formed by reflected light of wavelength 5895 with a liquid between
the plane and curved surface. It the diameter of the 6th bright ring is 3 mm and the radius of
curvature of the curved surface is 100 cm, calculate the reflective index of the liquid.
Here, for the nth bright ring,
Given that n = 6, l = 5895 108 cm, R = 100 cm, r =
3
mm = 0.15 cm
2
To find = ?
Applying =
(2n 1)R
2r 2
, we get
(2 6 1) 5895 10 8 100
2(0.15) 2
= 1.441
17. In a Newtons rings experiment the diameter of the 15th ring was found to be 0.590 cm and
that of the 5th ring was 0.336 cm. If the radius of the planoconvex lens is 100 cm, calculate
the wavelength of light used.
Here
D 5 = 0.336 cm = 33.6 103 m
D 15 = 0.590 cm = 5.90 103 m
R = 100 cm = 1m, l = ?
l =
( Dn + m ) 2 Dn2
D2 D52
= 15
4mR
4 10 R
(5.9 10 3 ) 2 (3.36 10 3 ) 2
4 10 R
= 5.880 107m
l = 5880
18. In a Newtons rings experiment the diameter of the 12th ring changes from 1.50 cm to
1.30 cm when a liquid is introduced between the lens and the plate. Calculate the refractive
index of the liquid.
Given that
D 1 = 1.50 cm
D 2 = 1.30 cm
For air medium
l =
D12 = 4nlR
...(i)
Engineering Physics
22
D22 =
4nR
...(ii)
=
D2
1.50
,
=
1.30
m = 1.331
19. Newtons rings are observed in reflected light of l = 5.9 105 cm. The diameter of the
10th dark ring is 0.52 cm. Find the radius of curvature of the lens and the thickness of the air
film.
Given that l = 5.9 105 cm = 5.9 107 m
n = 10
Radius of the ring r = 5.2 103 m
Apply r2 = nlR
\ We get
R =
(5.2 10 3 ) 2
10 5.9 10 7
EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. In Newtons ring experiment, diameter of the 5th ring is 0.336 cm and that of the 15th ring
is 0.590 cm. Find the radius of curvature of the plano-convex lens if the wavelength of light
used is 5890 .
2. Light of wavelength 6 105 cm falls on a screen at a distance of 100 cm from a narrow slit.
Find the width of the slit if the first minimum lie 1mm on either side of the central maxima.
3. The diffraction maxima due to single slit diffraction is at q = 30 for a light of wavelength
5000 . Find the width of the slit.
Wave Optics
23
Engineering Physics
24
19. In Newtons rings pattern, the diameter of the fifth ring is 0.3 cm and that of the tenth ring
is 0.5 cm. Wavelength of light used is 589 nm. Determine the radius of curvature of the lens.
20. Newtons rings are observed in reflected light of wavelength 589 nm with the liquid film
formed between plane glass plate and a plano-convex lens. The diameter of 9th bright ring is
105 cm. Determine the refractive index of the liquid.
QUESTIONS
1. Explain constructive and destructive interference. Explain in detail Young's double slit
experiment.
2. Discuss the necessary theory of interference in thin films.
3. Discuss the formation of Newtons rings and calculate their diameters. How do you determine
the wavelength of monochromatic light using Newtons rings ?
4. What is interference of light ? Deduce the conditions for maxima and minima of interference
fringes formed by thin films.