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Chapter 4 : INTERFERENCE IN THIN FILMS

Session 2 : Interference in thin film of uniform thickness
Colours on thin film
Non-reflecting films

INTERFERENCE IN THIN FILMS (REFLECTED SYSTEM) :

Let GH and G1H1 be the two surfaces of a transparent thin film of uniform thickness t (As shown
in fig.). Let µ be the refractive index of thin film. Let a ray AB of monochromatic light be
incident on its upper surface. This ray is partly reflected along BR and refracted along BC. After
one internal reflection at C, partially reflected ray travels along CD. At D, it gets partially
refracted along DR1 in air. DR1 is parallel to BR. These rays originate from the same incident ray
AB and hence are coherent. These rays interfere constructively and destructively to produce dark
and bright regions.

Our aim is to find out effective path difference between rays BR and DR1.

A N R R1

E
i i
B i
G H
D
Q'
r rr
Intereference in thin film of
t uniform thickness

r r
F
G1 C H1
Q

T1
T

Let us draw a normal DE on BR.

In the figure,
∠ ABN = i is the angle of incidence and the ∠ QBC = r is the angle of refraction.
∠ DBR = 90 - i gives ∠ BDE = i

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The optical path difference between two reflected light rays BR and DR 1 is given by -
∆ = Path ( BC + CD ) in film - Path BE in air
= μ ( BC + CD ) - BE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (1)
From Figure, we have,
t
BC = CD = - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (2)
cos r
BE
and BE = BD sin i Q sin i =
BD
= 2 BQ' sin i
BQ' BQ'
= 2 t tan r ⋅ sin i Q tan r = =
CQ t
sin r
= 2 t ⋅ sin i
cos r
sin r sin i
= 2 t ⋅ ⋅ sin r
cos r sin r
2 μt sin i
= sin 2 r Q = μ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (3)
cos r sin r
Substituting (2) and (3) in (1) we get,
 t t  2 μt
∆ = μ  +  - sin 2 r
 cos r cos r  cos r
2 μt 2 μt
= - sin 2 r
cos r cos r
=
2 μt
cos r
(
1 - sin 2 r )
2 μt
= cos 2 r
cos r
∴ ∆ = 2 μ t cos r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -(4)

The film is denser than the surrounding medium (air). Hence, the ray BR originating by
reflection at the denser medium suffers phase change of 1800 (i.e. path change of λ/2) due to
reflection at B. Such phase change does not occur at C as the ray is reflected from the surface of
rarer medium. Hence, the effective path difference between BR and DR1 is –
λ
∆ = 2 μ t cos r ±
2
Condition for Maxima :

Two rays interfere constructively if the path difference between them is integral multiple of λ .
λ
i.e. ∆ = 2 μ t cos r ± = n λ
2
λ
∴ 2 μ t cos r = ( 2n ± 1 )
2

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Condition for Minima :

Two rays interfere destructively if the path difference between them is odd integral multiple of
λ/2 .
λ λ
i.e. ∆ = 2 μ t cos r ± = ( 2n ± 1 )
2 2
∴ 2 μ t cos r = n λ

INTERFERENCE IN THIN FILMS (TRANSMITTED SYSTEM) :

If path difference between two transmitted rays CT and FT1 is –

Δ = μ (CD + DF) - CG
= 2 μ t cos r (Calculated in the same way as in reflected system.)

However in this case, there is no phase change on reflection at C or D as it takes place at the
surface of rarer medium. Accordingly, we can obtain the conditions for maxima and minima as-

Condition for Maxima (Transmitted System):

Two rays interfere constructively if the path difference between them is integral multiple of λ .

i.e. ∆ = 2 μ t cos r = n λ
Condition for Minima (Transmitted System)::
Two rays interfere destructively if the path difference between them is odd integral multiple of
λ/2 .
λ
i.e. ∆ = 2 μ t cos r = ( 2n ± 1 )
2
Why the visibility of fringes is much higher in the reflected system than it is in the
transmitted system?

The intensity of light ray decreases after each partial reflection. The number of reflections
involved in getting transmitted rays are more. Therefore intensity of transmitted rays is less than
that of reflected rays. So, visibility of fringes is much higher in the reflected system than it is in
the transmitted system.

PRODUCTION OF COLOURS IN THIN FILM :

If the thin film is exposed to a monochromatic light, alternate dark and bright interference fringes
are obtained. With white light, the fringes obtained are coloured. It is because the path
difference 2 µ t cos r , depends on µ, t and r.

i) If t and r are constant, the path difference varies with µ or the wavelength of light. White
light is composed of various colours. Therefore, these colours will appear in the order –
violet, blue, …. as wavelength λ increases.
ii) If angle of incidence changes, r also changes and hence, path difference also will change.
Therefore, if we view the thin film in various directions, different colours will be seen
with white light.

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iii) When the thickness of the film varies, the film passes through various colours for same
angle of incidence.

EXCESSIVELY THIN FILM APPEARS BLACK. WHY?

The effective path difference between interfering rays in reflected system is 2µtcos r+λ/2.
When the film is excessively thin, 2 µ t cos r is neglected and effective path difference
becomes λ/2.
“Path difference is odd integral multiple of λ/2” is the condition for minimum intensity.
Hence every wavelength will be absent and the film will appear dark.

NON-REFLECTING FILMS (Anti Reflecting Films):

Non-reflecting glass surfaces can be prepared by depositing a thin layer of film of a

transparent material.
The refractive index of the material is so chosen that it has intermediate value between
glass and air.
The thickness of the film is also chosen so that it introduces a path difference of λ/2.
For example, the refractive index of Magnesium Fluoride is 1.38. This value is greater
than the refractive index of air (1) and smaller than the refractive index of glass (1.5).

A R
R1

µ = 1
B

D
µ = 1.38

µ = 1.5

Non Reflecting Film

The ray AB suffers reflection at point B on the surface of denser medium and proceeds along
BR1. A part of it moves along BC. And after suffering reflection again at the surface of the
denser medium (glass), it emerges out as DR1. Hence, same phase change occurs in both rays at
each reflection.

The optical path difference will be 2 µ t, where, µ is the refractive index of the material
of film and t is its thickness. There will be destructive interference if –
λ
2 μ t = (2n + 1) , where n = 0, 1, 2, .....
2
λ
For n = 0, 2 μ t =
2

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Hence the minimum thickness of the coating required for no reflection at the center of
visible spectrum is given by –
λ
t =
4μ
Some reflection does take place on both the longer and the shorter wavelengths and reflected
light has purple colour.

This method is highly useful in reducing loss of light by reflection in instruments like periscope,
which has a number of air-glass surfaces.

HIGHLY-REFLECTING FILMS :

Highly-reflecting glass surfaces can be prepared by depositing a thin layer of film of a

transparent material.
The refractive index of the material is so chosen that it has intermediate value between
glass and air.
The thickness of the film is also chosen so that it introduces a path difference of λ.
For example, the refractive index of Magnesium Fluoride is 1.38. This value is greater
than the refractive index of air (1) and smaller than the refractive index of glass (1.5).

A R
R1

µ = 1
B

D
µ = 1.38

µ = 1.5

Highly Reflecting Film

The ray AB suffers reflection at point B on the surface of denser medium and proceeds along
BR1. A part of it moves along BC. And after suffering reflection again at the surface of the
denser medium (glass), it emerges out as DR1. Hence, same phase change occurs in both rays at
each reflection.

The optical path difference will be 2 µ t, where, µ is the refractive index of the material
of film and t is its thickness. There will be constructive interference if –
2μ t = nλ , where n = 0, 1, 2, .....
For n = 1, 2 μ t = λ
Hence the minimum thickness of the coating required for no reflection at the center of
visible spectrum is given by –
λ
t =
2μ

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1. White light falls normally on a soap film of refractive index 1.33 and thickness 5000
A0. What wavelength within the visible spectrum (λ = 4000 A0 to 7000 A0) will be
strongly reflected?

Given : µ = 1.33, t = 5000 A0 = 5 x 10-5 cm

λ
Condition for maximum is - 2 µ t cosr = (2n − 1) ; n = 1, 2, 3, ...........
2
2 x 2 µ t cosr
∴ λ = ; n = 1, 2, 3, ...........
(2n − 1)
For normal incidence, r = 0, therefore, cosr = 1
2 x 2 x 1.33 x 5 x 10-5 26.6 x 10-5
∴ λ = =
(2n − 1) (2n - 1)
26.6 x 10 -5
For, n = 1, λ = = 26000 A 0
(2x1 - 1)
26.6 x 10 -5
For, n = 2, λ = = 8666.67 A 0
(2x2 - 1)
26.6 x 10 -5
For, n = 3, λ = = 5320 A 0
(2x3 - 1)
26.6 x 10 -5
For, n = 4, λ = = 3800 A 0
(2x4 - 1)
Thus wavelength in the visible spectrum which will be strongly reflected is 5320 A0.

2. A glass plate having thickness of 0.4 x 10-4 cm is illuminated by a beam of white

light normal to the plate (µ for glass = 1.5). Calculate the wavelength within the
limits of visible spectrum (λ = 4000 A0 to 7000 A0) which will be intensified in the
reflected beam.

Given : µ = 1.5, t = 0.4 x 10-4 cm = 4 x 10-5 cm

λ
2 µ t cosr = (2n − 1) ; n = 1, 2, 3, ...........
Condition for maximum is - 2
2 x 2 µ t cosr
∴ λ = ; n = 1, 2, 3, ...........
(2n − 1)

For normal incidence, r = 0, therefore, cosr = 1

2 x 2 x 1.5 x 4 x 10 -5 24 x 10 -5
∴ λ = =
(2n − 1) (2n - 1)

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24 x 10 -5
For, n = 1, λ = = 24000 A 0
(2x1 - 1)
24 x 10 -5
For, n = 2, λ = = 8000 A 0
(2x2 - 1)
24 x 10 -5
For, n = 3, λ = = 4800 A 0
(2x3 - 1)
24 x 10 -5
For, n = 4, λ = = 3425 A 0
(2x4 - 1)
Thus wavelength in the visible spectrum which will be strongly reflected is 4800A0.

3. A drop of oil of volume 0.2 cc is dropped on the surface of a tank water of area 1 sq.
m. The film spreads uniformly over the whole surface. White light which is incident
normally on the surface is observed through spectroscope. The spectrum is seen to
contain one dark band whose centre has wavelength 5500 A0 in air. Find the
refractive index of the given oil.

volume 0.2
Thickness of the film = = 2
= 2 x 10 −5 cm
area (100)
For dark band,
2 µ t cos r = nλ
For normal incidence, r = 0 ; ∴ cosr = 1
Taking n = 1 and λ = 5500 A 0 = 5.5 x 10 -5 cm
nλ 1 x 5.5 x 10 -5
µ = = = 1.375
2 t cos r 2 x 2 x 10 −5 x1

4. White light is incident on a soap film (µ = 1.33) at an angle sin-1(4/5) and the
reflected light on examination shows dark bands. Two consecutive dark bands
corresponds to wavelengths 6100 A0 and 6000 A0. Calculate the thickness of the
film.

Given : µ = 1.33, i = sin-1(4/5) therefore, sini = 4/5

λ1 = 6100 A0 = 6.1 x 10-5 cm, λ2 = 6000 A0 = 6.0 x 10-5 cm
2
 sin i 
2 4 
cos r = 1 - sin 2 r = 1 -   = 1 -  5  = 0.7988
 µ   1.33
 
For n th dark band, 2 µ t cosr = nλ1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - (1)
For (n + 1) th
dark band, 2 µ t cosr = (n + 1)λ2 - - - - - - - (2)

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From (1) and (2),

nλ1 = (n + 1)λ2
nλ1 = nλ2 + λ2
n (λ1 − λ2 ) = λ2
λ2 6.0 x 10-5
n = = = 60
λ1 − λ2 6.1 x 10 -5 - 6.0 x 10 -5
Substituting in (1)
2 x 1.33 x t x 0.7988 = 60 x 6.1 x 10 -5
60 x 6.1 x 10 -5
∴ t = = 1.72 x 10 -3 cm
2 x 1.33 x 0.7988

5. A plane wave of monochromatic light falls normally on a uniformly thin film of

refractive index 1.3 which covers a glass plate of refractive index 1.5. The
wavelength of the source can be varied continuously. Complete destructive
interference is obtained for wavelength 5000 A0 and 7000 A0 and no other
wavelength in between. Find the thickness of the oil layer.

Given : µ for oil = 1.3, µ for glass plate = 1.5,

λ1 = 5000 A0 = 5 x 10-5 cm, λ2 = 7000 A0 = 7 x 10-5 cm.
As both reflections at upper and lower surfaces of the oil film take place at the surface of
denser medium, no additional path change is introduced. Therefore condition for
minimum is –
λ
2 µ t cosr = (2n - 1) where n = 1, 2, 3, ..........
2
For normalincidence,r = 0 and cosr = 1
The n th desctructive interference occurs at λ1
λ1
∴ 2 µ t cosr = (2n - 1) - - - - - - - - - - - - - (1)
2
The (n - 1) th destructive interference occursat λ2
λ2
∴ 2 µ t cosr = (2(n - 1) - 1)
2
λ2
∴ 2 µ t cosr = (2n - 3) - - - - - - - - - - - - - (2)
2
From (1) and (2),
λ1 λ
(2n - 1) = (2n - 3) 2
2 2

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λ1 λ
(2n - 1)= (2n - 3) 2
2 2
-5
5 x 10 7 x 10 -5
∴ (2n - 1) = (2n - 3)
2 2
∴ (2n - 1) = 1.4 (2n - 3)
∴ 0.8 n = 3.2
∴ n = 4
Substituting value of n in (1)
5 x 10 -5
2 x 1.3 x t = (2x4 - 1) x
2
-5
7 x 5 x 10
∴ t = = 6.73 x 10 −5 cm = 6730 A 0
2 x 1.3 x 2

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