Wave Optics

By- Prof. Vikram S Yadav

Professor, Department of Applied Science and Humanities
Bundelkhand Institute of Engineering and Technology, Jhansi-INDIA
Email- vikramyad@gmail.com
 OUTLINE
Ø Introduction

Ø Interference:
Ø Coherent Sources
Ø Interference In Uniform And Wedge-Shaped Thin Films
Ø Necessity Of Extended Sources
Ø Newton’s Rings And Its Applications

Ø Diffraction:
Ø Fraunhofer Diffraction At Single Slit And At Double Slit
Ø Absent Spectra
Ø Diffraction Grating
Ø Spectra With Grating
Ø Dispersive Power, Resolving Power Of Grating
Ø Rayleigh’s Criterion Of Resolution
Ø Resolving Power Of Grating

Wave Optics 3
 Introduction

Ø Phenomenon of Reflection, Refraction etc. can be explained by particle theory,

or Newton’s Corpuscular Theory- Light Is Made Of Tiny Particles (Called
Corpuscle), When These Tiny Particles Falls On Eye Retina, Sensation Of Vision
Takes Place.
Ø In Physics, , wave optics or physical optics, is the branch of optics that
studies Interference, Diffraction, Polarization, and other phenomena for which
the ray approximation of geometric optics is not valid.
Ø But phenomenon of Interference, diffraction and polarization etc can be
explained by Huygens’ wave theory. According to it light travels in form of wave.
So light have dual nature- particle nature and wave nature

Wave Optics 4
Huygens’ Wave Theory
Source of Light sends waves in all
directions in hypothetical medium
called Ether.

Every point on a wave front acts as a

point source; the wavefront as it
develops is tangent to their envelope

A wave front at any time is defined as

continuous locus of all the neighboring
particles vibrating in same phase
(which are in same state of vibration).

Wave Optics 5
Types of Wave Fronts
Spherical Wave Front: in case when light spreads
from point source, the light wave travels with same
velocities in all directions and arrives simultaneously
at all points lying on sphere of center as point source.

Cylindrical Wave Front: When light source is linear,

then in all-isotropic medium, shape of wavefront is
cylindrical.

Plane Wave Front: If a point source or linear source

is placed at infinity, then the portion of wave front in
small area will be plane and all incident waves are
parallel.
Wave Optics 6
Interference:
ØIt leads to modification in resultant intensities and after superposition,
the waves emerges as they if they never interfered at all. Each wave
train retains its individual characteristics.
ØIn the regions of superposition, at some points intensity becomes
more than individual wave – constructive interference and at some
points, the intensity tends to zero– destructive interference

The interference is defined as “ Modification in Intensity, When

Two or More Waves Meets in The Region of Superposition”

Wave Optics 7
Interference

Monochromatic wavelength
(single wavelength) through
two slits.
If light is a wave, there should
be an interference pattern on
screen.
Alternate dark and bright
points are obtained.

Wave Optics 8
Principle of Superposition
• When two or more waves of same frequency and wavelength, equal or nearly equal
amplitude, and must be in same phase, acts simultaneously on a particle in a medium,
the resultant displacement will be sum of displacements due to individual waves.
• When waves overlap, their amplitudes add

Constructive Destructive
l

+ + l Phase
Shifted
180°,
p,

= = or l/2

Peaks line up with peaks Peaks line up with troughs

 What is Phase differences?
• Particles which are in same state of vibration , are said to
be in phase
• Light travels different distances (paths) just like any other d1
waves.
• The Relation between phase difference and path Source 1
difference
𝟐𝝅
• 𝑷𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 = (𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆)
𝝀
where 𝝀 is wavelength of light . d2
• Hence, Two or more wave may interfere if, they have Source 2
same frequency, same wavelength equal or nearly equal
amplitude and must be in same phase.
Constructive Interference when in phase
Path difference is an integral number of wavelengths
∆d = d1 ~d2 = nl Where m is an integer
Destructive Interference when out of phase
Path difference is a half-integral number of wavelengths
∆d = d1~d2 = (n+1/2)l Where m is an integer
Analytical Treatment of Interference
Let us consider two waves,
𝑌! = 𝑎! sin 𝜔𝑡, 𝑌" = 𝑎" 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑡 + 𝛿), where 𝛿 is phase difference between two waves
By Principle of Superposition,
𝑌 = 𝑌! + 𝑌"
𝑌 = 𝑎! sin 𝜔𝑡 +𝑎" 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑡 + 𝛿),
= 𝑎! + 𝑎" cos 𝛿 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑎" sin 𝛿 cos 𝜔𝑡
Let,
𝑎! + 𝑎" cos 𝛿 = A cos 𝜃
𝑎" sin 𝛿 = A sin 𝜃
Then,
𝑌 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜃 , where A is amplitude of resultant wave and can be find out as,

𝐴 sin 𝜃 " + 𝐴 Cos 𝜃 " = 𝑎" sin 𝛿 " + 𝑎! + 𝑎" cos 𝛿 "

𝐴" = 𝑎!" + 𝑎"" + 2𝑎! 𝑎" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿

#! $%& '
and tan 𝜃 =
#"(#! )*$ '

The intensity at any point

𝐼 = 𝐴" = 𝑎!" + 𝑎"" + 2𝑎! 𝑎" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿
Wave Optics 11
As, The intensity at any point
𝐼 = 𝐴" = 𝑎!" + 𝑎"" + 2𝑎! 𝑎" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿
2𝜋
𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = (𝑃𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒)
𝜆
The intensity at a point depends on the value 𝛿 , the phase difference between two waves.

Case-I: Condition for Maximum Intensity.

For some points If 𝜹 = 𝟎, 𝟐𝝅, 𝟒𝝅, … … … 𝟐𝒏𝝅, here n is an integer
The intensity 𝑰𝑴𝒂𝒙 = 𝒂𝟏 + 𝒂𝟐 𝟐 ( Maximum Intensity) [Constructive Interference]
It shows that resultant intensity is greater than the sum of two separate intensities 𝒂𝟏 + 𝒂𝟐 𝟐

Case-II: Condition for Minimum Intensity.

For some points If 𝜹 = 𝝅, 𝟑𝝅, … … … (𝟐𝒏 + 𝟏)𝝅,
The intensity 𝐼012 = 𝒂𝟏 − 𝒂𝟐 𝟐 ( Minimum Intensity) [ Destructive Interference]
It shows that resultant intensity is greater than the sum of two separate intensities 𝒂𝟏 − 𝒂𝟐 𝟐

Special Case: when 𝒂𝟏 = 𝒂𝟐 , then

𝑰𝑴𝒂𝒙 = 𝟒𝒂𝟐
𝐼012 = 𝟎

Wave Optics 12
Energy Distribution:

Intensity I

−4𝜋 −3𝜋 −2𝜋 −𝜋 0 𝜋 2𝜋 3𝜋

𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝛿

Wave Optics 13
Theory Of Interference Fringes

Ø Point O is equidistant form S1 and S2 , so path

difference between rays reaching O is ZERO. So P
x x-d
it is of Maximum Intensity.
x+d
Ø Point P is at x distance from O, it may be dark or Q
S1
bright, depends on path or phase difference 2d
between S1 P and S2P. O
From right angle triangle S1 PQ, S2 R
𝑆$ 𝑃 % = 𝐷 % + 𝑥 − 𝑑 %
Similarly, From right angle triangle S2 PR, D
𝑆% 𝑃 % = 𝐷 % + 𝑥 + 𝑑 %
𝑆% 𝑃 % − 𝑆$ 𝑃 % = 𝑆% 𝑃 − 𝑆$ 𝑃 𝑆% 𝑃 + 𝑆$ 𝑃

&'(
𝑆% 𝑃 − 𝑆$ 𝑃 = ,
)& *+)' *
as D>>2d Then, 𝑆% 𝑃 = 𝑆$ 𝑃 = 𝐷

%'(
The path difference, 𝑆% 𝑃 − 𝑆$ 𝑃 = ,
,
Wave Optics 14
Position and Spacing of Fringes
Case-I: If point P is Bright , then path difference must be equal to 𝑛𝜆
%'(
Hence, 𝑆% 𝑃 − 𝑆$ 𝑃 = = 𝑛𝜆, where n=1,2,3,……n
,
Or
-.,
𝑥- = , here 𝑥- = 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑡ℎ 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑎
%(
Putting x=1,2,3,……

., %., /., &., 0., -.,

𝑥$ = , 𝑥% = , 𝑥/ = , 𝑥& = , 𝑥0 = ,…… 𝑥- =
%( %( %( %( %( %(

𝝀𝑫
𝒙𝒏 - 𝒙𝒏2𝟏 = ⋯ … = 𝒙𝟑 - 𝒙𝟐 = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙𝟏 =
𝟐𝒅
Case-II: If point P is Dark , then path difference must be equal to (𝑛 + 1/2)𝜆
"34
Hence, 𝑆" 𝑃 − 𝑆! 𝑃 = = (𝑛 + 1/2)𝜆, where n=1,2,3,……n
5
Or
("2(!)85
𝑥2 = , here 𝑥2 = 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑡ℎ 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑎
94
Putting x=1,2,3,…
𝝀𝑫
Again, 𝒙𝒏 - 𝒙𝒏;𝟏 = ⋯ … = 𝒙𝟑 - 𝒙𝟐 = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙𝟏 =
𝟐𝒅
Wave Optics 15
Hence Spacing between any two consecutive maxima and any two consecutive
minima is same, and this spacing is called Fringe Width and denoted by 𝛽
therefore,
Z[
Fringe width β = where 𝜆 = 𝑤𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡,
\]
D= distance between source and screen
2d= Distance between two sources.
CONDITIONS FOR INTERFERENCE OF LIGHT:
1. For sustained Interference:
(a) The Two sources should be coherent.
(b) Two source must emit continuous waves of the same wavelength and time period.
2. For Observation of Fringes: (a)The Separation between sources (2d) should be small.
(b) The distance between Source and Screen must be large.
(c) The Background should be dark.
3. For Good contrast: (a) Amplitude of interfering waves should be equal.
(b) The Sources must be narrow
(c) Sources should be Monochromatic.
Wave Optics 16
Coherent Sources: Two light source have same frequency, same wavelength, equal or
nearly equal amplitude and in same phase, are called Coherent Sources.

The interference takes place in to two ways-

ØDivision of Wave Front: In this method, the incident wavefront is divided in to two
parts, and after traversing unequal distances, these two parts reunite at some points and
gives interference pattern. In this method narrow source are used to get two coherent
sources. In Young’s experiment, two slits are illuminated by a single slit, and are used as
coherent source. In Lloyd’s Mirror, a source and its virtual images are used as coherent
sources.
ØDivision of Amplitude: in this method, the amplitude of wave is divided in two parts
and after traversing unequal distances, these two parts reunite at some points and gives
interference pattern. Interference in Thin Films, Newton’s Rings Experiments etc. are
examples. In this method, broad source of light is used.
Wave Optics 17
 Interference of Light in Thin Films:
Ø Thin Film: A thin film is a layer of material ranging from fractions of a nanometre to several micrometre
in thickness.
Ø Fascinating colours of soap bubbles, or colours of oil spread on wet road are due to interference
of sun (White) light. As white light ranges all wavelength of visible range (400nm to 789nm).
Ø The Interference pattern due to thin films is obtained due to multiple reflections from surfaces
of transparent film observed by NEWTON.
Ø Interference from thin films takes place due to, 1. Reflected Light, 2. Transmitted light.

Ø When light is reflected from a denser medium, atrt’

8 a ar atr3t’
a phase change of 𝜋 and path difference of is added. air
"

Here r is reflection coefficient, and t, t’ are transmission

coefficients from rarer to denser and denser to rarer
at atr atr2
medium respectively.
atr3
𝜇
The Resultant amplitude 2nd,3rd, 4thetc. Reflected rays is
given by,
𝐴 = 𝑎𝑡𝑟𝑡 @ + 𝑎𝑡𝑟 A 𝑡 @ + 𝑎𝑡𝑟 B 𝑡 @ + ⋯ …
= 𝑎𝑡𝑟𝑡 @ 1 + 𝑟 " + 𝑟 " + ⋯ …
att’ atr2t’ air

Wave Optics 18
 but r<1(unity), then
1
𝐴= 𝑎𝑡𝑟𝑡 _
1 − 𝑟\

If there is no absorption of light by material or medium, then,

𝑡𝑡 _ = 1 − 𝑟 \ by principle of reversibility
As there is no light along normal (dotted line), so that,
𝑟 _ = −𝑟
These equations are Stoke’s relation.

Z
Ø The relation r’=-r, shows that a phase change of 𝜋 or path change of occurs
\
because of the reflection of light from medium.
Ø When a ray is reflected from a optically denser medium while it is travelling through
Z
rarer medium, a phase change of of 𝜋 or path change of \ is introduced.

Wave Optics 19
Interference of Light in Thin Films (Reflected Light): R1
R2
𝐴 𝑁
𝑖
The Interference takes place between reflected rays Air
BR1 and DR2. The path difference between the rays can 𝑖
be calculated. DN and BM are normal drawn on BR1 𝐵 𝑟
𝐷
and CD. CD meets back at P to line BE.
𝑟 𝑀
𝑡
∠BPC=r. ∠BDN = i. ∠𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝑟 𝜇

The Optical path difference,

Δ = 𝜇 𝐵𝐶 + 𝐶𝐷 − 𝐵𝑁
By Snell’s law, 𝐸 𝐶 Air
𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑖 𝐵𝑁
𝜇= = 𝑟
𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑟 𝐷𝑀 𝑡
𝐵𝑁 = 𝜇 𝐷𝑀
Therefore, path difference,
Δ = 𝜇 𝐵𝐶 + 𝐶𝐷 − 𝜇 𝐷𝑀 𝑃
= 𝜇 𝑃𝐶 + 𝐶𝐷 − 𝜇 𝐷𝑀 (As, BC=PC)
= 𝜇 𝑃𝑀
= 2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 ( as, 𝑃𝑀 = 2𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟)
Hence path difference,
= 2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 Wave Optics 20
Interference of Light in Thin Films (Reflected Light) : Contd…

As in this case, light is reflected from the surface of denser medium, so a phase change
.
of 𝜋 or path change of is added.
%
Hence, effective path difference,
.
∆= 2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 ± %
The path difference for point of maximum intensity is equal to 𝑛𝜆
.
2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 ± = 𝑛𝜆
%
𝟐𝒏±𝟏 𝝀
𝟐𝝁𝒕 𝑪𝒐𝒔 𝒓 = [Condition for Maxima]
𝟐
Similarly,
. %-±$ .
2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 ± =
% %
𝟐𝝁𝒕 𝑪𝒐𝒔 𝒓 = 𝒏𝝀 [Condition for Minima]
Where, n = 0,1,2,3,……
Note: Here interference pattern is not perfact , because intensities of interfering rays are not same,
because amplitudes depends upon the amount of reflected and transmitted rays.

Wave Optics 21
Interference of Light in Thin Films (Transmitted Light):

Here, the Interference takes place between

Transmitted rays CT1 and ET2. The path difference
between the rays can be calculated. CN and EM are P
normal drawn on DE and CT1. ED meets back at P to
line BP.
𝑡 𝑟
∠BPD=r. ∠CEM = i. ∠𝐸𝑁𝐶 = 𝑟 A

The Optical path difference, 𝑖 Air

D
Δ = 𝜇 𝐶𝐷 + 𝐷𝐸 − 𝐶𝑀 B
By Snell’s law,
𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑖 𝐶𝑀 𝑟
𝜇= =
𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑟 𝐸𝑁 N
𝑡
CM= 𝜇 𝐸𝑁 𝜇
𝑟 𝑟
Therefore, path difference,
Δ = 𝜇 𝐶𝐷 + 𝐷𝐸 − 𝐶𝑀
𝑟 E
= 𝜇 𝑃𝐷 + 𝐷𝐸 − 𝜇 𝐸𝑁 (As, CD=PD)
= 𝜇 𝑃𝑁 C 𝑖 Air
= 2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 ( as, 𝑃𝑁 = 2𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟)
Hence path difference, T2
= 2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 Wave Optics M 22
T1
Interference of Light in Thin Films (Transmitted Light) : Contd…

As in this case, light is transmitted from the denser to rarer medium, so there is no phase change
.
of 𝜋 or path change of is added.
%
Hence, effective path difference,
∆= 2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟
The path difference for point of maximum intensity is equal to 𝑛𝜆
2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 = 𝑛𝜆 [Condition for Maxima]
Similarly,
%-±$ .
2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 = %
[Condition for Minima]

Where, n = 0,1,2,3,……

Note: Here interference pattern is not perfect , because intensities of interfering rays are not same,
because amplitudes depends upon the amount of reflected and transmitted rays.

Wave Optics 23
Question: A beam of parallel rays falls on transparent film of thickness 3.8×1020 cm
and refractive index 1.5 at an angle of incidence 450. On examining the film
by reflected light , a dark band of wavelength 5700A0 is found. Calculate the
order of interference of the dark band.

Wave Optics 24
Question: A soap film of thickness 4.5×1020 cm is viewed at an angle of 450 . Calculate the
wavelength of light which will be absent from reflected light in the visible spectrum.
if 𝜇 = 1.33.

Wave Optics 25
Wedge Shaped Films :
Ø In this case two plane surfaces are inclined at small angle 𝛼 and enclosing a
wedge shaped ( increasing thickness) film of air or a transparent material. R1
R2
Ø Two Planes OA and AB are inclined at angle 𝛼
M A
Ø The thickness increases from O to B. if
900
refractive index is 𝜇 . 𝑖 F
Ø Interference occurs between two reflected C
rays DR1 and FR2. 𝑖 𝑟
Ø These rays are not parallel but appears to 𝑟+𝛼
diverge from P. t
D N 𝛼
Ø Thus interference takes place at P, which is 𝑟+
virtual. 𝑟
Ø We will calculate path difference between 𝛼 E
O B
these two rays. 𝑟+𝛼
𝛼 t
The optical path difference,
∆= 𝜇 𝐷𝐸 + 𝐸𝐹 − 𝐷𝑀
R
= 𝜇 𝐷𝑁 + 𝑁𝐸 + 𝐸𝐹 − 𝜇𝐷𝑁
= 𝜇 𝑁𝐸 + 𝐸𝐹 = 𝜇𝑁𝑅 (As EF=ER) P Q
Path difference=2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 + 𝛼

Wave Optics
Path difference=2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 + 𝛼

8
As reflection takes place form in this case, so a path difference of " is introduced.

Hence effective path difference,

8
= 2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 + 𝛼 ±
"

𝜆
2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 + 𝛼 ± = nλ
2
("2±!)8
2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 + 𝛼 = [ Condition for Maxima]
"
Similarly,
8 ("2±!)8
2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 + 𝛼 ± =
" "

2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 + 𝛼 = 𝑛𝜆 [ Condition for Minima]

Where n=0,1,2,3,4……

Wave Optics
Fringe Width:
("2±!)8
For Maxima, 2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 + 𝛼 =
"
,
If Light is incident normally then r=0,and film is of air 𝜇 = 1,
("2±!)8
Then, 2𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝛼 =
"
If nth maxima found at xn distance from O where thickness of air film A
is t.
Then, 𝑡 = 𝑥2 tan 𝛼 ,
("2(!)8
So, 2𝑥2 tan 𝛼 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝛼 =
"
(2𝑛 + 1)𝜆 (𝟐𝐧 + 𝟏)𝝀 t
2𝑥2 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝛼 = ⟹ 𝒙𝒏 =
2 𝟒𝐒𝐢𝐧 𝛂
If 𝑥2(! is distance of (n+1)th maxima form O, then
(2𝑛 + 3)𝜆 (𝟐𝐧 + 𝟑)𝝀 𝛼
2𝑥2(! 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝛼 = ⟹ 𝒙𝐧(𝟏 = O
2 𝟒𝐒𝐢𝐧 𝜶 B
The distance between, nth and (n+1)th maxima will be fringe width, 𝑥2
8
𝛽 = 𝑥2(! − 𝑥2 = , for small 𝛼, 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝛼=1
" E12 F
𝜆
𝛽=
2 𝛼
When film is of material of refractive index 𝜇, then
𝜆
𝛽=
2µ𝛼 Wave Optics
 e
urc
So
Necessity of Extended Source:

nt
Poi
Ø When thin film is illuminated by point source,
after interference, different pairs of rays are
obtained. In a pair rays are parallel. If film is
viewed in a particular position of eye, whole
film can not be viewed. For observing fringes EYE
eye must shifted with fringe.

u rce
So
ed
nd
e
Ext
Ø If an extended source is used, the reflected
light from every point reaches the eye and
entire pattern can be seen simultaneously

Wave Optics
Newton’s Rings:
Ø A plano-convex lens of large radius of curvature is placed
on a plane glass sheet, is illuminated by monochromatic
light, concentric circular rings(fringes) are observed in
reflected light.

Ø Interference takes place between the waves reflected from

the top and bottom surfaces of the air film formed
between lens and glass plate.

Ø Another glass plate is held above the lens plate system at

450, so that light is incident normally on lens-plate system.

Ø SB is incident ray and R1 and R2 are reflected rays from

upper and lower surfaces of air film. These rays interferes
are gives interference pattern

Wave Optics
Newton’s Rings (Contd.):
.
Path difference for maxima, 2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 + 𝛼 ± = nλ,
% N
Note: due to very large radius of curvature of lens, the angle of wedge 𝑟 is extremely small,
so it can be neglected.
.
Therefore, 2𝜇𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 + = nλ,
% R
Theory of Fringes (in Reflected Light): As light is incident normally then, angle of
refraction is Zero, so Cos r =1. and for air film 𝜇 = 1.
. %-2$ .
So, 2𝑡 + = nλ, or 2𝑡 =
% %
Consider a sphere of radius R, form which lens is taken,
By Geometry, 𝑃𝑀×𝑀𝐿 = 𝑀𝑁×𝑀𝑂,
P
𝑟-% =𝑀𝑁×𝑀𝑂, Where rn is radius of nth ring.
𝑟-% =(2R-t) ×𝑡 Where thickness of air film is t.
t<<R, so 2𝑅 − 𝑡 ≈ 2𝑅
8+&
𝑟-% = 2𝑅𝑡 or 𝑡 = ,
%9
%-2$ .
But, 2𝑡 = ,
%
8+& %-2$ . %-2$ .9
So, 2 = or 𝑟-% = for bright fringe.
%9 % % Wave Optics
Newton’s Rings (Contd.):
Diameter of nth bright ring,
𝐷-% = 2 2𝑛 − 1 𝜆𝑅
or 𝐷 = 2𝜆𝑅 (2𝑛 − 1)
𝐷 ∝ (2𝑛 − 1)
Hence Diameter of nth bright ring in reflected light is proportional to square
root of odd number (2𝑛 − 1) , where n=1,2,3,4,……
Similarly, for dark ring,
2𝑡 = 𝑛𝜆,
𝑟-%
2 = 𝑛𝜆
2𝑅
Diameter of nth dark ring,
𝐷-% = 4𝑛𝜆𝑅
or 𝐷 = 4𝜆𝑅 𝑛
𝐷∝ 𝑛 Newton’s ring’s in reflected light
Hence Diameter of nth dark ring in reflected light is proportional to sqauare using monochromatic red LASER
of wavelength 650nm
root of natural number 𝑛
Note: In reflected light centre of the rings pattern is found to be dark
Wave Optics
Newton’s Rings (Contd.):
In Transmitted Light:
.
In transmitted light there is no addition of path difference or phase change
%
of 𝜋. Hence,
2𝑡 = 𝑛𝜆 for bright fringe
%-+$ .
2𝑡 = for dark fringe
%
But,
8+&
𝑡= ,
%9
𝑟-% = 𝑛𝜆𝑅 for bright,
Diameter, 𝐷 = 4𝑛𝜆𝑅
𝐷∝ 𝑛
For Dark fringe,
𝐷 ∝ (2𝑛 − 1)
Note: In transmitted light, the center of fringe pattern is found Bright and Newton’s Rings in transmitted light using
just opposite in case of reflected light. Yellow light of wavelength 589.3nm

Wave Optics
Newton’s Rings (Contd.):
Determination of Wavelength of light Using Newton’s Ring Experiment.

Diameter of nth dark ring,

𝐷-% = 4𝑛𝜆𝑅
Diameter of (n+p)th dark ring,
%
𝐷-+: = 4 𝑛 + 𝑝 𝜆𝑅

%
𝐷-+: − 𝐷-% = 4𝑝𝜆𝑅

𝑫𝟐𝒏%𝒑 }𝑫𝟐𝒏
Wave length of light used 𝝀= 𝟒𝒑𝑹
Where, p= number of rings counted
R= radius of curvature of lens (it may be given or can be measured by spherometer in
laboratory)

Wave Optics
Newton’s Rings (Contd.):
Determination of refractive index of material Using Newton’s Ring Experiment.
If the lens plate setup is immersed in a liquid of refractive index 𝜇, then air film formed between lens
and plate is replaced by liquid.
%-2$ .
So in that case, 2𝜇𝑡 = for bright ring
%
2𝜇𝑡 = nλ for dark ring.
Therefore, diameter for nth dark ring,

&-.9
𝐷′%- =
;
or
&-.9
𝜇=
,<&+
And
%
𝐷-+: − 𝐷-% = 4𝑝𝜆𝑅 in case of air film
&:.9
𝐷′%-+: − 𝐷′%- = in case of liquid film
;
𝑫𝟐𝒏%𝒑 }𝑫𝟐𝒏
Refractive index of material (liquid) µ=
𝑫_𝟐𝒏%𝒑 }𝑫_𝟐𝒏
Wave Optics
 Newton’s Rings Formed By Two Curved Surfaces

Case I: Lower surface

concave

Case II: Lower surface

convex
Newton’s Rings Formed By Two Curved Surfaces
Case I: Lower surface
concave
 Case 1: Lower surface concave

• Two curved surfaces of radii of curvature R1 and R2 in contact at point O.

• Thin air film of variable thickness enclosed between two surfaces.
• The position of dark and bright rings depends on the path difference
• The thickness of air film at P, where radius of nth dark or bright ring is r
 Case 1: Lower surface concave

From geometry
r2 = 2 R t

therefore

But thickness of film PQ = t. the condition for dark rings in

reflected light is given by
2µtcos r =nl
For air (µ = 1) and normal incidence cos r =1 , then above equation
become
2t=nl
 Case 1: Lower surface concave
(in Reflected Light)
𝑟! 𝑟!
2 − = 𝑛𝜆 Where n=0,1,2,3…… dark rings
2𝑅" 2𝑅!
For bright fringes , the condition is

#
2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = (2𝑛 + 1) !

For air film (𝜇 = 1) and for normal incidencecos 𝑟 = 1, then this equation
becomes
𝜆
2𝑡 = (2𝑛 + 1)
2
$( $( #
− = (2𝑛 + 1) where 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, … … bright rings
!%) !%( !
 Newton’s Rings Formed By Two Curved Surfaces
Case II: Lower surface
convex
 Newton’s Rings Formed By Two Curved Surfaces
Case II: Lower surface
2
convex r
t1 =
2R1
r
t1
 Newton’s Rings Formed By Two Curved Surfaces
Case II: Lower surface
convex
 Newton’s Rings Formed By Two Curved Surfaces
Case II: Lower surface
convex

t1
t2
r 2
r
t2 =
2R 2
 Newton’s Rings Formed By Two Curved Surfaces
Case II: Lower surface
convex

2
r
t1 =
2R1
2 T=t1+t2
r
t2 =
2R 2
r
 Case II: Lower surface convex

But thickness of film t = PQ. The condition for dark rings in

reflected light is given by
2µtcos r =nl
For air (µ = 1) and normal incidence, then above equation become

2t=nl 𝑟! 𝑟!
2 − = 𝑛𝜆 dark rings
2𝑅" 2𝑅!
 Case II: Lower surface convex
" "
𝑟! %)
+% = 𝑛𝜆. Where n=0,1,2,3…… Dark rings
(

For bright fringes , the condition is

#
2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = (2𝑛 + 1) !

For air film (𝜇 = 1) and for normal incidence cos 𝑟 = 1, then this
equation becomes
𝜆
2𝑡 = (2𝑛 + 1)
2
$( $( #
+ = (2𝑛 + 1) where 𝑛 = 0,1,2, … Bright rings
!%) !%( !
How can we make center bright in reflected rays?
Two ways:
1. By using a liquid film with refractive index µliquid
with condition µconvex lens< µliquid < µplate.

Ex: crown glass=1.45, flint glass=1.63

Liquid with 1.45 < µ <1.63 Liquid film

2. By lifting convex lens upward with a distance λ/4.

Because 2t=nλ (dark)

→ 2[t + (λ/4)] = nλ+ λ/2=(2n+1)λ/2 (bright)