BS-192 (Undergraduate Science Laboratory)

Experiment 3: NEWTON’S RINGS

Group No.: 10

Guided by Prof. Gopinadhan Kalon

Introduction:

In this experiment, When monochromatic light is reflected between a plano-convex

lens and a flat glass surface (optical flat), it creates concentric rings of bright and
dark fringes. Through the careful measurement of these interference fringe
positions with a micrometer, one may ascertain parameters like the lens's radius of
curvature or the air gap's thickness. The goal is to examine and study the
interference fringes created by the interaction of light waves using precise
measurements made with micrometers and careful manipulation of optical
components. A beam splitter is usually used to send light toward a microscope for
observation, a sodium lamp serves as the monochromatic light source, and precise
optical component adjustments are made to produce the best interference patterns.
To achieve precise measurements of fringe positions, the procedure comprises
cleaning and assembling optical equipment, focusing the microscope, and carefully
aligning crosswires.

Theory:

Newton's rings experiment, in which monochromatic light is projected onto a

plano-convex lens in contact with an optical flat (a flat glass surface), is based on
the principles of interference phenomena. Newton's rings, which are concentric
bright and dark fringes formed by light rays reflecting from the upper surface and
the lower surface of the air gap between the lens and the flat, are caused by
interference when the light rays recombine. We can also say, There is radial
symmetry about the point of contact in the air gap created between the bottom
curved surface of the lens and the glass plate. When it receives regular
monochromatic light illumination, it forms localized circular interference fringes.

Conditions for the interferences observed:

Dark fringe - 2t ≈ 2n ( λ / 2)
Bright fringe - 2t ≈ (2n + 1) ( λ / 2)
Let R be the radius of curvature of the lens's lower surface and 𝑟𝑛 is the radius of
the nth bright fringe, then:

2 2 2
𝑅 = 𝑟𝑛 + (𝑅 − 𝑡)
2
𝑟𝑛 2
Or, t ≈ 2𝑅
(neglecting 𝑡 )

By substituting this, we obtain the following in the interference condition for the
nth bright fringe,

2
𝑟𝑛 = (2n + 1) λR / 2

Then the diameter of the nth bright fringe,

2
𝐷𝑛 = 2 (2n + 1) λR

Similarly, the diameter of the nth dark fringe

'2
𝐷𝑛 = 4nλR
Usually, the precise order of fringes cannot be determined because of the
imperfection of the contact between the two surfaces at the lens's center. On the
other hand, the relationship between the two bright (or dark) fringes of order 𝑛1
and 𝑛2 is as follows :

| 2 2 |
|𝐷𝑛 − 𝐷𝑛 | ÷ (𝑛1- 𝑛2) = 4λR
| 1 2|
Experimental-Setup

In the diagram (Figure-1), light rays emitted by an extended source, such as a

sodium lamp, are directed towards a beam splitter positioned at a 45-degree angle
to the vertical. These rays then hit an air gap between a thin convex lens and a
clean optical flat with a black background. The light rays reflected from the upper
and lower surfaces of the air gap pass through the beam splitter and are captured by
a microscope equipped with an XY translation stage. By utilizing micrometers on
the XY stage, precise movement along the X and Y axes can be achieved. The
apparatus includes adjustment mechanisms for both the beam splitter and the plano
convex lens, which is held in place by a holder featuring three adjustment screws.
Additionally, the setup incorporates four distinct wavelength LEDs. Figure 2
illustrates the complete configuration of the apparatus.
Apparatus:

1) Begin by cleaning the optical components using isopropyl alcohol. Position

the optical flat disk in the depression near the microscope's objective. Place
the plano-convex lens on top of the optical flat disk, ensuring only a point
contact between them to create an interference pattern. Insert the beam
splitter into its holder and secure it with screws. Turn on the sodium vapor
lamp and allow a few minutes for it to reach maximum intensity before
placing it in front of the microscope. Adjust the beam splitter to a 45° angle
relative to the direction of light to maximize illumination in the field of view.
Focus the image by adjusting the microscope tube's distance from the object
using the focusing knob. Ensure that the crosswire aligns with the direction
of the traveling microscope's motion.
2) While observing the fringe system, use the micrometer screws to align the
intersection of the crosswire system with the center of the fringe pattern.
Turning any micrometer screw will cause a shift in the ring pattern.

3) Position the microscope so that one crosswire touches the rings tangentially,
allowing for complete traversal through 20 rings by turning the micrometer
screw in one direction only.

4) Move the crosswire to a larger, sharp bright or dark ring (designated as "m").
Note that "m" doesn't necessarily represent the fringe order; it's simply the
ring number assigned relative to the smallest well-defined ring, referred to as
the 1st ring. Typically, measurements start around the 20th ring (m = 20) or
so. Carefully position the crosswire at the center of this ring's width and
record its position (𝑋𝑚) using the micrometer. Using the fine movement
knob, move the microscope towards the center of the ring system,
positioning the crosswire at the center of width of alternate rings (with
decreasing ring numbers from m-1 to 1) and noting down the corresponding
positions (𝑋𝑚−1, 𝑋𝑚−2, ..., 𝑋2, 𝑋1). After crossing the center of the rings,
continue positioning the crosswire at the center of width of corresponding
rings (at diametrically opposite points) with increasing order and record the
positions (𝑌1, 𝑌2, 𝑌3, ..., 𝑌𝑚−1, 𝑌𝑚−2).
Results and Discussion:

The following table represents the values of 𝑋𝑖 and 𝑌𝑖, the values of
2
𝐷𝑚(= 𝑋𝑚 − 𝑌𝑚) and 𝐷𝑚.
𝑋𝑖 and 𝑌𝑖 represents the edge of the diameter present on the right and left sides,
respectively.

𝐷𝑚(= 𝑋𝑚 − 𝑌𝑚
2 2
Serial No. 𝑋𝑚(mm) 𝑌𝑚(mm) ) (mm) 𝐷𝑚 (𝑚𝑚 )

1 9.4 10.7 1.3 1.69

2 9.2 10.9 1.7 2.89
3 9.03 11.07 2.04 4.1616
4 8.88 11.22 2.34 5.4756
5 8.77 11.35 2.58 6.6564
6 8.67 11.45 2.78 7.7284
7 8.55 11.57 3.02 9.1204
8 8.46 11.66 3.2 10.24
9 8.36 11.75 3.39 11.4921
10 8.28 11.84 3.56 12.6736
11 8.18 11.93 3.75 14.0625
12 8.11 12 3.89 15.1321
13 8.02 12.08 4.06 16.4836
14 7.96 12.16 4.2 17.64
15 7.89 12.23 4.34 18.8356
16 7.82 12.3 4.48 20.0704
17 7.75 12.37 4.62 21.3444
18 7.69 12.44 4.75 22.5625
 19 7.63 12.5 4.87 23.7169
20 7.56 12.56 5 25

2
The graph of 𝐷𝑚 vs m is obtained from the table above:

−6 2
The slope obtained from the graph= 1.23× 10 𝑚𝑚
2
The value 𝐷𝑚 is in square millimeters.

We have, 𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 4λ𝑅

−6 −10
Hence, 1. 23 × 10 = 4 × 5893 × 10 ×𝑅

𝑅 = 0. 52𝑚 = 52 𝑐𝑚
Error Analysis:

The least count of the round scale is 0.01 mm.

The least count of the main scale is 0.5 mm.

The limiting values of slopes are:

−6 2 −6 2
𝑆1 = 1. 18 × 10 𝑚𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆2 = 1. 29 × 10 𝑚𝑚

𝑆2−𝑆1 −6 2
Error in slope S = ∆𝑆 = 2
= 0. 11 × 10 𝑚𝑚
∆𝑆
𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝑆
= 0. 08
Hence, error in R;

∆𝑆
∆𝑅 = 𝑅 𝑆
= 0. 52 × 0. 08 = 0. 04 𝑚 = 4 𝑐𝑚

4
Hence, 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 52
× 100 = 7. 69%

Thus, the Radius of curvature = 50 ± 6 𝑐𝑚

Possible Causes of Errors:

1) Minimum count error: The instruments used had minimum count error,
which could lead to errors in findings.
2) The error in lenses may affect the positions of fringes.
3) The imperfect surfaces could lead to errors in measurements.
4) The issues in source intensity affect the accuracy of results.
Readings:
Conclusion:

The experiment successfully determined the radius of curvature of a lens by

utilizing Newton's rings method as 50 ± 6 𝑐𝑚. The radius of curvature was found
with a percentage error of 7.69%. By analyzing interference patterns formed by
monochromatic light reflected from a plano-convex lens and an optical flat, the
experiment provided valuable insights into the principles of interference and
optics.

Summary of findings:

● The radius of curvature of the plano-convex lens obtained was found to,
50 ± 6 𝑐𝑚, with a percentage error of 7. 69%.

Scope for future work:

Ensuring thorough calibration of instruments will minimize the minimum count

errors and improve measurement accuracy. Implementing quality control measures
for lenses will reduce imperfections that can affect interference patterns and
provide clear fringes for observation. Enhancing the surfaces of the lens and
optical flat minimizes irregularities and improves measurement precision. Ensuring
stable and consistent light source intensity can reduce variability in results.
Exploring advanced analysis techniques to account for complex interference
patterns can improve accuracy in determining the radius of curvature. By
addressing these areas, future experiments can enhance the accuracy and reliability
of results obtained using the Newton's rings method for determining the radius of
curvature of lenses.
Contributions:

All members contributed to the lab experimental setup and taking readings.
Contributions to making lab report are given as follows:

Roll no. Name Contributions Signature

23110240 Patil Siddhesh Sanjay Results and
Discussion

23110243 Peddinte Amrutha Introduction and

Theory

23110246 Pilla Karthik Naidu Conclusion and

summary

20110184 Sankarshan Kulkarni Experimental

Procedure