Wave Optics

INTERFERENCE IN THIN FILMS

When white light incident on thin film (thickness = 0.1 μm) like oil film on water
surface or a soap bubble, then interference takes place between the waves
reflected from its two surfaces and waves refracted through it. The intensity
becomes maximum and minimum as a result of interference and colours are seen.
1) Coherent sources are produced by division of amplitude.
2) very very thin film appears black.
3) The colours obtained in reflected and transmitted light are mutually
complementary.

1
Wave Optics

2
Wave Optics

3
 Wave Optics
Q. Light of wavelength 6000Ȧ is incident on a thin glass plate of refractive index 1.5
such that the angle of refraction into the plate is 600 .Calculate the smallest
thickness of plate which will make it appear dark by reflection.

4
Wave Optics

5
Wave Optics

6
Wave Optics

7
 Wave Optics
HUMAN EYE : The resolving limit (RL) is 1’ = (1/60)0

8
 Wave Optics
Q. What should be the minimum distance between two pillars, so that they can be
seen clearly from a distance of 10 km.

9
Wave Optics

10
 Wave Optics
Q. Two point white dots are 1 mm apart on a black paper . They are viewed by eye of
pupil diameter 3 mm. What is the maximum distance at which these dots can be
resolved by the eye? ( λ = 500nm)

11
Wave Optics

12
 Wave Optics
Q. For what distance is the ray optics a good approximation , if the slit is 3 mm wide
and the wavelength of light is 5000 Ȧ ?

13