Module-4

OPTICS-I: INTERFERENCE
University Syllabus:

(Prerequisites: Wave front and Huygen's principle, reflection and refraction, Interference by division of
wave front, Youngs double slit experiment)
Interference by division of amplitude, Interference in thin film of constant thickness due to reflected and
transmitted light; origin of colours in thin film; Wedge shaped film; Newton’s rings.
Applications of interference - Determination of thickness of very thin wire or foil; determination ofrefractiveindex
of liquid; wavelength of incident light; radius of curvature of lens; testing of surface flatness; Anti-reflecting
films and highly reflecting film.
Interference due to reflection by thin films:

Consider a thin transparent film of thickness ‘t’ and refractive index ‘µ’. Due to the
simultaneous reflection and refraction, we obtain two reflected rays 1 and 2 These rays have
originated by division of amplitude hence they have a constant phase difference and are in a
position to produce sustained interference when combined.

AB is the incident ray, making an angle ‘i’ with the normal and deviated into two waves
BE and BC. Again, the wave BC is reflected at the lower surface and takes the path as shown
in figure. Thus, ray 1 and 2 are the two identical waves and are producing interference pattern.
Now from figure the optical path difference is ∆𝑥.

∆𝑥 = 𝜇 ( 𝐵𝐶 + 𝐶𝐷 )– 𝐵𝐸 − − − − − − − ❶

In ∆ 𝐵𝐸𝐷, sin 𝑖 = 𝐵𝐸⁄𝐵𝐷

∆ 𝐵𝐹𝐷, sin 𝑟 = 𝐷𝐹⁄𝐵𝐷

 sin 𝑖
∵ 𝜇=
sin 𝑟
𝜇 = ( 𝐵E/𝐷𝐹 )

BE = 𝜇 𝐷𝐹

Put the above equation in equation ❶

∆𝑥 = 𝜇 ( 𝐵𝐶 + 𝐶𝐷 − 𝐷𝐹 )

∆𝑥 = 𝜇 ( 𝑀𝐶 + 𝐶𝐷 − DF ), (∵BC = MC)

∆𝑥 = 𝜇 FM ----------❷

𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 ∆ 𝐵𝐹𝑀, 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑟 = 𝐹𝑀⁄𝐵𝑀

∆𝑥 = 𝜇 BM Cos r

∆𝑥 = 2𝜇𝑡 Cos r (∵BM = 2t)

But the path BE is reflecting at the denser surface hence it suffers 𝜆⁄2 extra path, therefore
optical path difference is,

∆𝑥 = 2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 − 𝜆⁄2 − − − − − − − −❸

The condition to produce bright point or constructive interference is, Δ𝑥 = 𝑛𝜆 − − − −❹

Equating equation ❸&❹ we get

2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 − 𝜆⁄2 = 𝑛𝜆

𝜆
2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = (2𝑛 + 1) − − − − − ❺ (𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡)
2
The condition to produce dark point or destructive interference is,

𝜆
Δ𝑥 = (2𝑛 + 1) − − − − − − − −❻
2
Equating equation ❸&❻ we get,

𝜆
2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 − 𝜆⁄2 = (2𝑛 + 1)
2
2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = (𝑛 + 1)𝜆

2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = 𝑛𝜆 − − − − − − − − − − − ❼ (𝐷𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑃𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡)

Here ‘n’ is an integer only, therefore (n+1) can also be taken as ‘n’. Where n = 0,1,2,3…
Interference due to transmitted light by thin films:

Consider a thin transparent film of thickness ‘t’ and refractive index ‘µ’. Due to the
simultaneous reflection and refraction, we obtain two transmitted rays CP and EQ. These rays
have originated by division of amplitude hence they have a constant phase difference and are
in a position to produce sustained interference when combined. A ray AB after refraction goes
along CP and partly reflected along CD. The ray CD after reflection at D, finally emerges along
EQ. Here at C & D reflection takes place at the rarer medium. Therefore, no phase change
occurs. Draw EM normal to CP. The optical path difference between EQ and CP is given by,

∆𝑥 = 𝜇(𝐶𝐷 + 𝐷𝐸) − 𝐶𝑀 − − − − − − − −❶

Now from

∆ 𝐸𝑀𝐶, 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑖 = 𝐶𝑀⁄𝐶𝐸

∆ CNE, sin 𝑟 = 𝐸𝑁⁄𝐶𝐸

sin 𝑖
∵ 𝜇=
sin 𝑟
𝜇 = ( CM/EN )

𝐶𝑀 = 𝜇𝐸𝑁

∆𝑥 = 𝜇 ( RD + 𝐷𝐸 − EN ), (∵CD = RD)

∆𝑥 = 𝜇 RN ----------❷

From ∆ RNC, Cos r = 𝑅𝑁/𝑅𝐶

 ∆𝑥 = 𝜇 RC Cos r

∵RC = 2t

∆𝑥 = 2𝜇t Cos r ----------❸

The condition to produce bright point or constructive interference is

2 𝜇 𝑡 cos 𝑟 = 𝑛𝜆 − − − − − − − − − ❹ 𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡

The condition to produce dark point or destructive interference is

𝜆
2 µ 𝑡 cos 𝑟 = (2𝑛 + 1) − − − − − − − − − ❺ 𝐷𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑃𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡
2
Where n = 0,1,2,3…etc.

WEDGE SHAPED FILMS:

Consider two plane surfaces OX and OY inclined at an angle α and enclosing a wedge-
shaped film. The thickness of the film increases from 0 to Y. When the film is viewed with
reflected monochromatic light, systems of equidistant interference fringes are observed which
are parallel to the line of intersection of the two surfaces. The interfering rays do not enter the
eye parallel to each other, but they appear to diverge from a point near the film. The effect is
best observed when the angle of incidence is small.

Draw a perpendicular DM to ray BP and a perpendicular DN to ray BC. Draw perpendiculars

FC and DE to OX. Now, the optical path difference between BP and DQ is given by,

∆𝑥 = 𝜇(𝐵𝐶 + 𝐶𝐷) − 𝐵𝑀 − − − − − − − −❶

In ∆ 𝐵𝑀𝐷, sin 𝑖 = 𝐵𝑀⁄𝐵𝐷

 ∆ 𝐵𝑁𝐷, sin 𝑟 = 𝐵𝑁⁄𝐵𝐷

sin 𝑖 𝐵𝑀⁄
∴ 𝜇= = 𝐵𝐷 = 𝐵𝑀
sin 𝑟 𝐵𝑁⁄ 𝐵𝑁
𝐵𝐷
∴ 𝐵𝑀 = 𝜇 𝐵𝑁

Put the above equation in equation ❶

∆𝑥 = 𝜇 ( 𝐵𝐶 + 𝐶𝐷 − 𝐵𝑁)

Now increase the length of ray BC in forward direction so that it intersects to the normal DE,
which forms an isosceles triangle∆ 𝐷𝐶𝐸, where CD = CE and BC can be written as BN + NC.

∆𝑥 = 𝜇 ( 𝐵𝐶 + 𝐶𝐸 − 𝐵𝑁)

∆𝑥 = 𝜇 𝑁𝐶 − − − − − ❷

𝑁𝐸
𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 ∆ 𝐷𝑁𝐸, cos(𝑟 + 𝛼) =
𝐷𝐸
𝑁𝐸 = 𝐷𝐸 𝐶𝑂𝑆(𝑟 + 𝛼) Where DE = 2t

Where ‘t’ is thickness of the thin film. Put this value of NE in equation ❷,

∆𝑥 = 2𝜇𝑡 cos(𝑟 + 𝛼)

But the path BP is reflecting at the denser surface hence it suffers 𝜆⁄2 extra path, therefore
optical path difference is,

∆𝑥 = 2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 − 𝜆⁄2 − − − − − − − −❸

The condition to produce bright point or constructive interference is,

Δ𝑥 = 𝑛𝜆 − − − − − − − − − − − −❹

Equating equation ❸&❹ we get

2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 − 𝜆⁄2 = 𝑛𝜆

𝜆
2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = (2𝑛 + 1) − − − − − ❺ (𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡)
2
The condition to produce dark point or destructive interference is,

𝜆
Δ𝑥 = (2𝑛 + 1) − − − − − − − −❻
2
Equating equation ❸& ❻ we get,
 𝜆
2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 − 𝜆⁄2 = (2𝑛 + 1)
2
2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = (𝑛 + 1)𝜆

2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = 𝑛𝜆 − − − − − − − − − − − ❼ (𝐷𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑃𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡)

Here ‘n’ is an integer only, therefore (n+1) can also be taken as ‘n’, Where n = 0,1,2,3…

FRINGE WIDTH:

Suppose the nth dark fringe occurs at PQ. The thickness of the air film at PQ is tn. The
rays are incident at normal incidence, cos r = 1 and assume wedge angle α is very small.
Appling the relation for a dark fringe, xn

2𝜇𝑡 cos(𝑟 + 𝛼) = 𝑛𝜆

2 𝑡𝑛 cos 𝛼 = 𝑛𝜆

𝑡𝑛⁄
From Δ 𝑂𝑄𝑃, tan 𝛼 = 𝑥𝑛
𝑡𝑛+1⁄
And from Δ 𝑂𝑁𝑀, tan 𝛼 = 𝑥𝑛+1

∴ 2 𝑥𝑛 tan 𝛼 cos 𝛼 = 𝑛𝜆

∴ 2 𝑥𝑛 sin 𝛼 = 𝑛𝜆 − − − − − −❶

Similarly the condition for (n+1)th fringe becomes,

∴ 2 𝑥𝑛+1 tan 𝛼 cos 𝛼 = (𝑛 + 1)𝜆

∴ 2 𝑥𝑛+1 sin 𝛼 = (𝑛 + 1)𝜆 − − − − − −❷

Subtracting equation ❶ from ❷

𝜆
𝑥𝑛+1 − 𝑥𝑛 =
2 sin 𝛼
𝜆
𝛽=
2 sin 𝛼
NEWTON’S RINGS:

Light from a monochromatic source S is endered by a plano convex lens L and then it
is made to fall on a plane glass plate inclined at an angle of 450 to the incident beam. This beam
is reflected normally on to a plano-convex lens placed on a glass plate.

Light rays refleced from the top and bottom surfaces of the air film formed between the lens
and glass plate superimposes upon each other and depending upon the path difference between
these rays, circular bright and dark rings are observed with a monochromatic light. The fringes
are circular because the air film is symmetrical about the point of contact of the lens and the
plane glass plate. These fringes can be observed by travelling microscope.

The lens is in contact with plate such that the film thickness at AB and MN is equal. According
to the geometry of figure,

𝐴𝑅 × 𝑅𝑀 = 𝑃𝑅 × 𝑅𝑆

𝑟𝑛 × 𝑟𝑛 = (2𝑅 − 𝑡𝑛 )𝑡𝑛

𝑟𝑛2 = 2𝑅𝑡𝑛 − 𝑡𝑛2

 Since 𝑅 ≫ 𝑡𝑛

𝑟𝑛2 = 2𝑅𝑡𝑛
r2n
tn = ---------------❶
2R

As condition for nthdark ring is given by,

2𝜇𝑡𝑛 = 𝑛𝜆

From equation ❶

rn2
2𝜇 = 𝑛𝜆
2R
Hence radius of nth dark ring is given by the following relation,
nλR
rn2 = ------------❷
μ

And diameter of the nth dark ring is givne by the following relation,
4nλR
D2n = --------------❸
μ

As condition for nth bright ring is given by,

𝜆
2𝜇𝑡𝑛 = (2𝑛 − 1)
2
From equation ❶

rn2 𝜆
2𝜇 = (2𝑛 − 1)
2R 2
Hence radius of nth Bright ring is given by the following relation,
(2n−1)λR
rn2 = -------------❹
2μ

And diameter of the nth Bright ring is givne by the following relation,
2(2n−1)λR
D2n = --------------❺
μ

COLORS OF THIN FILMS:

When white light is incident on a thin film, the light which comes from any point from
it will not include the colour whose wavelength satisfies the equation 2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 = 𝑛𝜆, in the
reflected system. Therefore, the film will appear colored and the color will depend upon the
thickness and the angle of inclination. If r and t are constant, the colour will be uniform. In the
case of oil on water different colours are seen because of r and t.
NON-REFLECTING FILMS (Anti-Reflecting Films):

With non-reflecting films, the loss of light by reflections at various surfaces of a system
of lenses, cameras, binoculars or prism is appreciably reduced. So, we can reduce the stray
light reaching the image as a result of reflections. The material chosen for coating on glass
should have a refractive index in between that of air and glass. If µf is the refractive index of
transparent material, µa i the refractive index of air, µg is the refractive index of glass.
Then, µg>µf>µa. If λ be the wavelength of incident light, then the path difference between two
rays is 2µf t cos r. For normal incidence r = 0. Hence Path difference = 2µft.

For destructive interference, path difference should be λ / 2.

i.e., 2µft = λ / 2

or tmin = λ / 4µf

Thickness of the film is adjusted to be λ / 4µf for a particular light of wavelength λ. In

case of white light λ is generally chosen near the middle of the visible spectrum.

Now a day’s all optical parts which require good quality are coated with non-reflecting films
such as MgF.

HIGHLY REFLECTING FILMS:

High reflecting film coating is a type of optical coating applied to the surface of glass plates
and other optical devices to reduce refractions. This improves the efficiency of the system since
less light is lost. The material chosen for coating on glass should have a refractive index in
between that of air and glass. If µf is the refractive index of transparent material, µa i the
refractive index of air, µg is the refractive index of glass. Then, µg>µf>µa. If λ be the wavelength
of incident light, then the path difference between two rays is 2µf t cos r. For normal incidence
r = 0. Hence Path difference = 2µft.

For destructive interference, path difference should be λ

i.e. 2µft = λ

or tmin = λ / 2µf

Thickness of the film is adjusted to be λ / 2µf for a particular light of wavelength λ . In

case of white light λ is generally chosen near the middle of the visible spectrum.

APPLICATIONS OF NEWTON’S RINGS EXPERIMENT:

Measurement of wavelength of monochromatic light:

2
𝐷𝑛+𝑚 − 𝐷𝑛2
𝜆=
4𝑚𝑅
Determination of the radius of curvature of the lens:
 2
𝐷𝑛+𝑚 − 𝐷𝑛2
𝑅=
4𝑚𝜆
Determination of the refractive index of the liquid
2
(𝐷𝑛+𝑚 − 𝐷𝑛2 )𝑎𝑖𝑟
𝜇= 2
(𝐷𝑛+𝑚 − 𝐷𝑛2 )𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑

Determination of thickness (diameter) of thin objects:

The given object is placed between two glass plates to form an air wedge. On illumination, we
can see alternate bright and dark bands with bandwidth

𝜆
𝛽=
2𝛼

From figure,

𝑡
𝛼=
𝑥

𝜆𝑥
𝛽=
2𝑡

𝜆𝑥
𝑡=
2𝛽

TESTING OF A FLAT SURFACE

In order to test the planeness, we can use interference fringes obtained from an air film. The
surface to be tested is placed in contact with an optically flat glass plate and the fringes are
viewed. If the fringes of equal thickness and parallel are formed, then the surface is flat.
Irregular and distorted fringe pattern is obtained if the surface is not flat