EXPERIMENT 1

1. AIM

Determination of wavelength of unknown monochromatic light.

2. OBJECTIVE

To determine the wavelength of monochromatic light (sodium) with the help of a Fresnel’s Bi-
prism.

3. THEORY

Fresnel biprism is a device which is used to produce coherent light sources and show the
phenomenon of interference. It consists of a thin glass plate with one of its face ground and
polished till a prism is formed, with one of prism angles of about 1790 and two side angles of ½
o each. When a light is incident on an ordinary prism, the ray is bent through an angle called

angle of deviation. As a result, the ray emerging out of the prism appears to have emanated
from a source S’ located at a small distance above the real source. If we arrange two prisms
placed base to base, the bending of light takes place in such a way that light appears to come
from two virtual sources S1 and S2. The refraction of light in biprism also produces two virtual
sources S1 and S2.

Fig. 1 Fresnel’s Biprism

A monochromatic light source illuminates the vertical slit in front of it, which then acts as a
narrow linear monochromatic light source. The biprism is placed in such a way that the refracting edge

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is parallel to the length of the slit. A single cylindrical wave front impinges on the biprism. The top
portion of the wave front is refracted downward and appears to have emanated from the virtual source
S1. The lower segment falling on the lower part of the biprism is refracted upward and appears to have
emanated from the virtual source S2. The virtual source S1 and S2 are images of the same source S
produced by the refraction due to biprism and hence are coherent. Hence the light source is in a
position to interfere and produce fringes in a region beyond the biprism. Thus, biprism creates two
virtual images of the source (similar to the combination of two prisms placed base to base).

The theory of interference and fringe formation in case of Fresnel biprism is the same as
described for Young’s double slit experiment. Hence, alternate bright and dark fringes are formed. The
fringe width is he spacing between consecutive bright or dark fringes.

𝝀𝑫
The fringe width is given by 𝝎 =
𝟐𝒅

(i) Determination of wavelength of light

𝜔.2𝑑
The wavelength of light can be determined using the equation 𝜆 = . In order to use this
𝐷
relation, the values of ω, D and 2d are to be measured experimentally.

(ii) Determination of D (distance between the slit and the eyepiece)

Once the distinct fringe pattern appears in the focal plane of the eyepiece, the uprights having
the slit, the biprism and the eyepiece are fixed on the optical bench. The position of the slit and
the position of the eyepiece are noted as X and Y in cm from the scale of the optical bench.

D = Y-X = position of eyepiece – position of the slit

(X any Y to be noted from scale of the optical bench)

Determination of fringe width ω

When the fringes are observed in the field of view of the eyepiece, the vertical cross wire is
made to coincide with the center of one of the bright fringes. The position of the crosswire is
denoted as x0 from the scale of the eyepiece and is in millimeters. The micrometer screw of the
eyepiece is moved slowly and the number of the bright fringes N that pass across the cross wire
is counted. The position of the crosswire is again read as x N from the scale of the eyepiece. The
fringe width is given by:
𝑥𝑁 − 𝑥0
𝜔=
𝑁
Where xN = the position of the vertical crosswire coinciding with a bright fringe
x0 = the position of the vertical crosswire coinciding with another bright fringe
N= number of bright fringes counted between the positions x0 and xN

(iii) Determination of 2d (distance between two virtual images S1 and S2 of source S)

(i) Displacement Method

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A convex lens of short focal length is placed between the slit and the eyepiece without
disturbing their positions. The lens is moved back and forth near the biprism till a pair of sharp
images of the slit is obtained in the field of view of the eyepiece. In order to obtain real images
of the two virtual sources the distance between the slit and eyepiece is kept >4f. The distance
between the images is measured by coinciding the vertical crosswire of the eyepiece on the two
images S’ and S’’. Let it be denoted by d1 and the position of the convex lens is L1.If u is the
distance of the slit and lens and v is the distance of eyepiece from the lens (the distance u and v
can be measured from the optical bench), the by magnification formula:

𝑣 𝑑1
= ……(1)
𝑢 2𝑑

Fig. 2 Displacement Method

The lens is then moved to a position nearer to the eyepiece, where again a pair of images of the
slit is seen. The distance between the two sharp images is again measured. Let it be d2 If u’ is
the distance of the slit and lens and v’ is the distance of eyepiece from the lens (the distance u’
and v’ can be measured from the optical bench) the position of the convex lens be L2, the by
magnification formula:
𝑣 𝑑2
𝑢
= 2𝑑
…….. (2)

Since L1and L2 are the two conjugated positions of the convex lens where the real image is
obtained keeping the distance between the slit and the eyepiece same (>4f)
Multiplying equation (1) and (2)

𝑑1 𝑑2
= 1
(2𝑑)2

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 2𝑑 = √𝑑1 𝑑2

d1 and d2= (to be obtained from scale of the eyepiece in mm by making the vertical cross wire
overlap with the real images formed)

d1 and d2 = The distance between the two real images (of the virtual sources S1 and S2) obtained
when the convex lens is kept at position L1 and L2 respectively

(ii) Deviation Method

𝛼 + 𝛿𝑚
𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )
By using the prism formula 𝜇 = 2
𝛼
𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )
2

Where α and δ are the angle of biprism and angle of deviation. Since α and δ are ~ small

∴ 𝛿 = (𝜇 − 1)𝛼
𝑑
From the figure tan 𝛿= 𝑎 since 𝛿~ 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙

𝑑
∴ 𝛿=
𝑎

Putting the value of δ in above equation we have 2𝑑 = 2 𝑎 (𝜇 − 1)𝛼

1 𝜋
Where α = ½0 or in radian = .
2 180
radian

a= distance between the slit and the biprism to be noted from the optical bench = …… cm

μ = is the refractive index of the biprism (glass) = 1.5

Fig. 3Deviation Method

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4. APPARATUS USED
i. Optical bench with uprights
ii. Sodium lamp
iii. Bi-prism
iv. Convex lens
v. Slit and micrometer eyepiece
5. FORMULA USED

In Fresnel biprism experiment the wavelength λ of sodium light is given by the formula:
𝜔.2𝑑
𝜆= where ω = fringe width
𝐷
D= distance between the slit and the screen
2d= distance between the two virtual sources S1 and S2.
where 2𝑑 = 2 𝑎 (𝜇 − 1)𝛼
a= distance between the slit and the biprism
μ= the refractive index of the biprism
α = angle of biprism in radian
RAY DIAGRAM
Fig. 4 represent the ray diagram for Fresnel biprism

Fig.4 Ray diagram for Fresnel biprism

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 Fig.5 Set up of Fresnel biprism experiment

6. PROCEDURE
1. Level the bed of optical bench with the help of spirit level and travelling screws.
2. The slit, Bi-prism and eye piece are adjusted at the same height. The slit and the cross wire
of the eye piece are made vertical.
3. The micrometer eye is focused on cross wires.
4. With an opening provided with the cover of the monochromatic source, the light is allowed
to be incident on the slit and the bench is so adjusted that light comes straight along its
length. This adjustment is made to avoid the loss of light intensity for the interference
pattern.
5. Place the Bi-prism upright near the slit and move the eyepiece sideways. See the two
images of the slit through Bi-prism at right angle to the bench till they are obtained. Make
the two images parallel by rotating Bi-prism in its own plane.
6. Bring the eyepiece near the Bi-prism and give it a rotation at right angle to the bench to
obtain a patch of light. As a matter of fact, the interference fringes are obtained in this patch
provided that the edge of the prism is parallel to slit.
7. To make the edge of the Bi-prism parallel to the slit, the Bi-prism is rotated with the help of
tangent screw till a clear interference pattern is obtained. These fringes can be easily seen
even with naked eyes.
8. The line joining the center of the slit and the edge of the Bi-prism should be parallel to the
bed of bench. If this is not so, there will be a lateral shift and its removal is most important.
This is shown in fig (4).
9. In order to adjust the system for no lateral shift, the eyepiece is moved away from Bi-
prism. In this case, the fringes will move to the right or left but with the help of base screw
provided with Bi-prism, it is moved at right angle to the bench in a direction to bring the

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 fringes back to their original position. Now move the eyepiece towards the Bi-prism and the
same adjustment is made with the help of eyepiece.
10. Now using the process again and again, the lateral shift is removed.
11. Find out the least count of the micrometer screw.
12. Place the micrometer screw at such a distance where fringes are distinct, bright and wide.
13. The cross wire is moved on one side of the fringes to avoid backlash error. Now the cross
wire is fixed at the center of a bright fringe and its reading is noted on the main scale as well
as on micrometer screw.
14. The vertical crosswire is now moved and fixed at the Centre of the bright fringe.
15. The micrometer readings are noted as nth bright fringe position.
16. The vertical crosswire is now moved and fixed at the center of another bright fringe
(skipping one bright fringe in between). The micrometer readings are noted as (n+2)th
bright fringe position. The readings are repeated for …. (n+10)th bright fringes.
17. From these observations fringe width ω can be calculated.

7. OBSERVATIONS:

(A) MEASUREMENT OF D (distance between the slit and the eyepiece)

1. Position of the slit from optical bench X = 0.0 cm
2. Position of the eyepiece from optical bench Y = 40 cm
3. Position of the biprism from slit Z = 15 cm
D= distance between the slit and the eyepiece= Y-X= (40-0) cm
a= distance between the slit and the biprism = Z-X= (15 -0)cm

(B) MEASUREMENT OF THE FRINGE WIDTH (ω) (distance between the consecutive
bright/dark fringes)

𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑛 𝑀𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑆𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒

Least count of the micrometer eyepiece = L. C. =
𝑇𝑜𝑎𝑡𝑙 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑛 𝐶𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑆𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒

1𝑐𝑚⁄
10
= 100
= 0.1 cm

Table: To Determine the Fringe Width (Ω):

Order Left side (a) Distance moved by Me Fringe

of micrometer for six an width
fringes fringes (β)
i.e. for (n+6) -(n) = 6
(n+8) -(n+2) = 6 (a)/6
(n+10) -(n+4) = 6
M.S (cm) V.S (cm) Total = MS+VS
n 0 x 0.1= 0.000 41 x 0.001= 0.041 0.041cm
n+2 0 x 0.1= 0.000 62 x 0.001= 0.068 0.062
n+4 1 x 0.1 = 0.1 05x 0.001= 0.005 0.105 0.132 - 0.041 = 0.096 0.308/3 0.102/6=
n+6 1 x 0.1 = 0.10 37x 0.001= 0.037 0.137 0.177 - 0.062 = 0.115 =0.102 0.017
n+8 1 x 0.1 = 0.10 77 x 0.001= 0.077 0.177 0.202 - 0.102 = 0.097
n+10 2 x 0.1 = 0.20 02 x 0.001=1.002 0.202

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 Hence fringe width (ω)= 0.017cm

(C)Measurement of 2d (distance between the two virtual coherent sources S1 and S2)

Deviation Method
𝜋
2𝑑 = 2𝑎. (𝜇 − 1). 𝛼. 180 cm where α = ½0
a= distance between slit &biprism= Z - X = (15.0 -0.0) cm =15 cm
μ= the refractive index of the biprism (glass) = 1.5
2d =2a (µ-1). α.(π/180) cm = 0.0087 x a cm = (0.0087) x 15 = 0.1305cm

8. CALCULATION

𝜔.2𝑑
𝜆= = (0.017x 0.1305)/40 = 5546.25 x 10-8 cm = 5546.25Ǻ
𝐷

9. RESULT

The wavelength of sodium light determined is λ = 𝟓𝟓𝟒𝟔. 𝟐𝟓 Å

Standard value = 5893Å.

𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒− 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
.·. Percentage Error = 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
X 100 =…..%

(5546.25 −5893 ) 𝑥 10−8 𝑐𝑚

= (5893 ) 𝑥 10−8 𝑐𝑚
= 5.88%

10. RESULT ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION

The wavelength of sodium light calculated is 5546.25 Ǻ, which is near to the standard
wavelength of sodium light = 5893Ǻ.
In Fresnel Biprism equally spaced alternate bright and dark fringes are formed due to the
phenomenon of interference due to division of wave front.
If monochromatic light is used alternated bright and dark fringes are formed (having a bright
central zero order fringe) but the zero-order bright fringe is difficult to observe. In order to
locate the zero-order central fringe white light source is to be used where the fringe pattern
consist of central white fringe surrounded by colored fringes on either side.
To determine ‘2d’ ie the distance between the virtual sources, displacement method is more
accurate in comparison to deviation method because in displacement method the value of d1
and d2 is noted by making the vertical cross wire coincide with the real images formed in the
focal plane of eyepiece (of S1 and S1) and the reading is taken from the scale of eyepiece which
is in mm and more precise and the optical bench error is also avoided.
11. INFERENCES & CONCLUSIONS

From the result analysis it has been observed that there is 5.88% error in determination of
wavelength which may be due to human error and limitation of the instrument.

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 It demonstrates the phenomenon of Interference due to division of wave front and establishes
the wave nature of light.

12. LAERNING OUTCOME

In this experiment we have calculated the wavelength of monochromatic Sodium Light by using
Fresnel Biprism Experiment.

13. APPLICATIONS

This Experiment is used to determine the wavelength of any monochromatic light and to
determine the thickness of a thin transparent mica sheet.

14. PRECAUTIONS

i. The setting of the uprights at the same level is essential.

ii. The slit should be vertical and narrow.
iii. Fringe shift should be removed.
iv. Bench error should be considered.
v. Crosswire should be fixed at the center of bright fringe while taking observations
for fringe width.
vi. The micrometer screw should be rotated only in one direction in order to avoid
backlash error.
vii. The fringe width should be measured at a fairly large distance.
viii. Convex lens of shorter focal length should be used (f=15cm approx.).
ix. Motion of eyepiece should be perpendicular to the length of the bench.
………………………..

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