Wave Optics

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IN
WAVE OPTICS Page # 3
ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM :
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Radio waves Micro waves Infrared Rays ROYGBIV Ultra Violet X-Rays
Visible light Rays r-rays
λ↓ f↑
Visible light is that part of electromagnetic spectrum which is visible to us

Light is studied under two sections.
1. Geometrical optics (If the dimensions of body is larger as compared to wavelength of light)
2. Wave optics (If the dimensions of body is comparable to wavelength of light)
WAVE FRONT
• Wave front is a locus of particles having same phase.

• Direction of propagation of wave is perpendicular to wave front.
• Every particle of a wave front act as a new source & is known as secondary wavelet.
Shape of wavefronts vary from source to source.

Point source → Spherical Wave fronts
Distant Parallel Rays → Planar wave front
Line source → Cylindrical wave fronts
Planar
wave fronts
Spherical
wave fronts
(i) For point source (ii) For Parallel Rays
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Page # 4 WAVE OPTICS
Line source
Cylindrical
wave front
(iii) For line source
Coherent source
If the phase difference due to two source at a particular point remains constant with time, then the
two sources are considered as coherent source.
Note : Sources lying on same wavefront are coherent in nature because their phase difference = 0
y1 = A1 sin (ωt + kx)
(Coherent sources)
y2 = A2 sin (ωt + kx)
Phase difference = 0 (constant)
y1 = A1 sin (ωt + kx + 30°)

(Coherent sources)
y2 = A2 sin (ωt + kx + 60°)
Phase difference = 30 (constant)
PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION :
When two or more waves simultaneously pass through a point, the disturbance of the point is given by
the sum of the disturbances each wave would produce in absence of the other wave(s). In case of
wave on string distrubance means displacement, in case of sound wave it means pressure change, in
case of electro magnetic wave (E.M.W) it is electric field or magnetic field. Superposition of two light
travelling in almost same direction results in modification in the distribution of intensity of light in the
region of superoposition. This phenomenon is called interference.
Susperposition of two sinusoidal waves :

Consider superposition of two sinusoidal wave (having same frequency), at a particular point.
Let, x1(t) = a1 sin ωt
and, x2(t) = a2 sin (ωt + φ)
x = A sin (ωt + φ0)
where A2 = a12 + a22 + 2a1.a2cosφ ...(1.1) {Refer topic : combination of SHM}
a 2 sin φ
and tan φ0 = a + a cos φ ...(1.2)
1 2
Ex.1 If i1 = 3 sin ω t and i2 = 4 cos ω t, find i3 which is given by i3 = i1 + i2
i1 i2
Sol. i3 = i1 + i2
π
= 3 sin ωt + 4 sin (ωt + )
2
i3
4
= 5 sin (ω t + tan –1
3)


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Ex.2 S1 and S2 are two source of light which produce individually disturbance at point P given by E1 =
→ →
3 sin ωt, E2 = 4 cos ω t. Assuming E 1 & E 2 to be along the same line, find the result of their
superposition.
S1
→ → →
E = E 1+ E 2
Sol.
S2 E = E1 + E2 = 5 sin(ωt + tan (–1) 4 / 3 )
INTERFERENCE :
Interference implies super position of waves. Whenever two or more than two waves superimpose
each other they give sum of their individual diplacement.
Let the two waves coming from sources S1 & S2 be
y1 = A1 sin (ω t + kx1 )
y2 = A2 sin (ωt + kx2) respectively.
Due to superposition
ynet = y1 + y2
ynet = A1 sin (ω t + kx1) + A2 sin (ω t + kx2)
Phase difference between y1 & y2 = k(x2 – x1)
i.e., ∆φ = k(x2 – x1)
2π
As ∆φ = ∆x (where ∆x = path difference & ∆φ = phase difference)
λ
Anet = A 12 + A 22 + 2A 1A 2 cos φ
⇒ 2
A net = A 12 + A 22 + 2A 1A 2 cos φ
∴ Inet = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I2 cos φ (as I ∝ A2)
When the two displacements are in phase, then the resultant amplitude will be sum of the two
amplitude & Inet will be maximum, this is known of constructive interference.
For Inet to be maximum
cosφ = 1 ⇒ φ = 2nπ where n = {0,1,2,3,4,5...........}
2π
∆x = 2nπ ⇒ ∆x = nλ
λ
For constructive interference
Inet = ( I1 + I2 )2
When I1 = I2 = I
Inet = 4 I
Anet = A1 + A2
When superposing waves are in opposite phase, the resultant amplitude is the difference of two
amplitudes & Inet is minimum; this is known as destructive interference.


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For Inet to be minimum,

cos ∆φ = – 1
∆φ = (2n + 1) π where n = {0,1,2,3,4,5...........}
2π λ
∆x = (2n + 1) π ⇒ ∆x = (2n + 1)
λ 2
For destructive interfence
Inet = ( I1 – I2 ) 2
If I1 = I2
Inet = 0
Anet = A1 – A2
Generally,
Inet = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I2 cos φ
If I1 = I2 = I
Inet = 2I + 2Icosφ
∆φ
Inet = 2I(1 + cos φ) = 4Icos2
2
( I1 + I2 )2
Ratio of Imax & Imin =
( I1 – I2 )2
Ex.3 Light from two source, each of same frequency and travelling in same direction, but with intensity
in the ratio 4 : 1 interfere. Find ratio of maximum to minimum intensity.
2
 I1 
2
 + 1
Imax  I1 + I2   I2  2
  =  2 + 1
Sol. = =   =9:1
Imin  I1 – I2   I1 – 1  2 – 1
 I 
 2 
Ex.4 Find the maximum intensity in case of interference of n identical waves each of intensity I0 if
the interference is (a) coherent and (b) incoherent.
Sol. The resultant intensity is given by
I = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I2 cos φ
(a) The sources are said to be coherent if they have constant phase difference between them. Then
intensity will be maximum when φ = 2nπ; the sources are in same phase.
Thus Imax = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I2 = ( I1 + I2 ) 2
Similarly, for n identical waves,
Imax = ( I0 + I0 +....) 2 = n 2I0
(b) The incoherent sources have phase difference that varies randomly with time
Thus [cosφ]av = 0
Hence I = I1 + I2
Hence for n identical waves,
I = I0 + I0 +............ = nI0


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YOUNG'S DOUBLE SLIT EXPERIMENT (Y.D.S.E.) :
In 1802 Thomas Young devised a method to produce a stationary interference pattern. This was based
upon division of a single wavefront into two ; these two wavefronts acted as if they emanted from two
sources having a fixed phase relationship. Hence when they were allowed to interfere, stationary
interference pattern was observed.
S2
Max
d Max
S0
Central Max
S1
Max
Max
D C
A B
Figure : Young's Arrangement to produce stationary interference pattern by division of wave front S0
into S1 and S2
Figure : In Young's interference experiment, light diffracted from pinhole S0 encounters pinholes S1 and
S2 in screen B. Light diffracted from these two pinholes overlaps in the region between screen B and
viewing screen C, producting an interference pattern on screen C.
The geometry of experiment is simple Parallel wavefront of a monochromatic wave are incident on two
identical narrow slits, each of width a separated by a distance d. The slit widths & their separation are
of the order of the wavelength of the incident monochromatic light. Monochromatic light after passing
through two slits S1 & S2 acts as coherent sources of light waves that interfere constructively &
destructively at different point on the screen to produce a interference pattern.


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S1 S1
l1 l1 Dark fringe
Bright fringe (Destructive
(constructive Interference)
Interference)
l1 central maxima λ
S2 l2 = S2 2 = 1 +
2
λ
2
l1
S1
λ
Bright fringe
+
(constructive
1
=
Interference)
2
S2 λ
Analysis of Interference Pattern :
We have insured in the above arrangement that the light wave passing through S1 is in phase with that
passing through S2. However the wave reaching P from S2 may not be in phase with the wave reaching
P from S1, because the latter must travel a longer path to reach P than the former. We have already
discussed the phase-difference arising due to path difference. if the path difference is equal to zero or
is an integral multiple of wavelengths, the arriving waves are exactly in phase and undergo constructive
interference. If the path difference is an odd multiple of half a wavelength, the arriving waves are out
of phase and undergo fully destructive interference. Thus, it is the path difference ∆x, which determines
the intensity at a point P.
r2
S2 P
y
r1
d θ
S0
A
S1
D
screen
2 2
 d 2  d 2
Path difference ∆p = S1P – S2P = y +  +D – y –  +D ...(1)
 2  2
Approximation I :

For D >> d, we can approximate rays r1 and r2 as being approximately parallel, at angle θ to the
principle axis.
Now, S1P – S2P = S1A = S1 S2 sin θ
⇒ path difference = d sin θ ...(2)


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r2
Approximation II :
y θ
further if θ is small, i.e., y << D, sin θ ~
– tan θ = s2
D
dy θ
and hence, path difference = ...(3) d
D
for maxima (constructive interference) r1
A
d. y s1
∆p = = nλ
D
nλD
⇒ y= , n = 0, ± 1, ± 2, ± 3 ...(4)
d
Here n = 0 corresponds to the central maxima
D1
n = ± 1 correspond to the 1 st maxima
n = ± 2 correspond to the 2nd maxima and so on. B2
II minima D2 β
for minima (destructive interference).
λ 3λ 5λ B1 First maxima
∆p = ± ,± ± S2 I minima D1
2 2 2
B0 Central maxima
 λ S1
 ( 2n – 1) 2 n = 1, 2, 3........ D1
⇒ ∆p = 
λ
(2n + 1) n = –1,– 2, – 3...... B1
 2 D2 β
consequently,
B2
D3
 λD
(2n – 1) 2d n = 1, 2, 3........... B3
y=
( 2n + 1)
λD ...(5)
n = –1, – 2, – 3........
 2d Figure : fringe pattern in YDSE
Here n = ± 1 corresponds to first minima,

n = ± 2 corresponds to second minima and so on.
FRINGE WIDTH :
It is the distance between two maxima of successive order on one side of the central maxima. This is
also equal to distance between two sucessive minima.
λD
fringe width β =
d
Notice that it is directly proportional to wavelength and inversely proportional to the distance between
the two slits.
y ∆y
As vertical distance y is related to θ by θ = so ∆θ = which is referred as angular fringe width
D D
β λ
Bθ = =
D d


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Ex.5 In a YDSE performed with wavelength λ = 5890 Å the angular fringe width is 0.40°. What is the
angular fringe width if the entire set-up is immersed in water ?
Sol. Angular fringe width is given by
λ
βθ =
d
λ air λ
So, β air
θ =
water
, βθ = water
d d
β air
θ λ air n 3
= = air =
β θwater λ water n water 4
3 air 3
Thus β θwater = β θ = 0.40° × = 0.30°
4 4
Ex.6 A beam of light consisting of two wavelengths 6500Å and 5200Å is used to obtain interference
fringes in a Young's double slit experiment. What is the least distance from the central maximum
where the bright fringes due to both the wavelengths coincide? The distance between the slits
is 2 mm and the distance between the plane of slits and the screen is 120 cm.
Sol. The position of nth bright fringe on the screen is
nλD
yn =
d
Let the n th bright fringe of 6500Å and the n th bright fringe of 5200Å coicide; then
m × 6500 × D n × 5200 × D
=
d d
m 5200 4
= =
n 6500 5
Thus the minimum values of m and n are 4 and 5 respectively.
4 × 6500 × 120
Hence y = = 0.156 cm = 1.56 mm
0.2
Ex.7 In a YDSE, D = 1m, d = 1mm and λ =1/2 mm

(i) Find a distance between the first and central maxima on the screen.
(ii) Find the no of maxima and minima obtained on the screen.
Sol. D >> d
Hence ∆P = d sin θ
d
=2,
λ
d
clearly, n << = 2 is not possible for any value of n.
λ
dy
Hence ∆p = cannot be used
D
for Ist maxima,
∆p = d sin θ = λ


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λ 1
⇒ sinθ = = ⇒ θ = 30°
d 2
1 y
Hence, y = D tan θ = meter S1
3
θ
(ii) Maximum path difference d
D
∆Pmax = d = 1 mm S2
d
⇒ Highest order maxima, nmax =   = 2
λ 
 d 1
and highest order minima nmin =  +  = 2
λ 2
Total no. of maxima = 2nmax + 1* = 5 *(central maxima)
Total no. of minima = 2nmin = 4
Ex.8 Monochromatic light of wavelength 5000 A° is used in Y.D.S.E., with slit-width, d = 1mm, distance
between screen and slits, D = 1m. If intensity at the two slits are I1 = 4I0 , I2 = I0, find
(i) fringe width β
(ii) distance of 5th minima from the central maxima on the screen
1
(iii) Intensity at y = mm
3
(iv) Distance of the 1000th maxima
(v) Distance of the 5000th maxima
λD 5000 × 10 –10 × 1
Sol. (i) β= = = 0.5 mm
d 1 × 10 –3
λD
(ii) y = (2n – 1) , n = 5 ⇒ y = 2.25 mm
2d
1
(iii) At y = mm, y << D
3
dy
Hence ∆p =
D
2π dy 4 π
∆φ = ∆p = 2π =
λ λD 3
Now resultant intensity
I = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I2 cos ∆φ
4π
= 4I0 + I0 + 2 4I20 cos ∆φ = 5I0 + 4I0 cos = 3I0
3
d 10 –3
(iv) = = 2000
λ 0.5 × 10 –6
n = 1000 is not << 2000
Hence now ∆p = d sin θ must be used
Hence, d sin θ = nλ = 1000 λ


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λ 1
⇒ sin θ = 1000 = ⇒ θ = 30°
d 2
1
y = D tan θ = meter
3
(v) Highest order maxima
d
nmax =   = 2000
λ 
Hence, n = 5000 is not possible.
Ex.9 A beam of light consisting of wavelength 6000 Å and 4500 Å is used in YDSE with D = 1 m and
d = 1 mm. Find the least distance from the central maxima, where bright fringes due to the two
wavelengths coincide.
λ1D 6000 × 10 –10 × 1
Sol. β1 = = = 0.6 mm
d 10 –3
λ D
β2 = 2 = 0.45 mm
d
Let n1 th maxima of λ1 and n2 th maxima of λ2 coincide at a position y.
the, y = n1P1 = n2P2 = LCM of β1 and β2
⇒ y = LCM of 0.6 cm and 0.45 mm
y = 1.8 mm Ans.
At this point 3rd maxima for 6000 Å & 4th maxima for 4500 Å coincide
GEOMETRICAL PATH & OPTICAL PATH
Actual distance travelled by light in a medium is called geometrical path (∆x). Consider a light wave
given by the equation
E = E0 sin (ω t – kx + φ)
ω
If the light travels by ∆x, its phase changes by k∆x = ∆x , where ω, the frequency of light does not
v
c
depend on the medium, but v, the speed of light depends on the medium as v =
µ
Consequently, change in phase,
ω
∆φ = k∆x = (µ∆x)
c
It is clear that a wave travelling a distance ∆x in a medium of refractive index µ suffers the same phase
change as when it travels a distance µ∆x in vacuum. i.e. a path length of ∆x in medium of refractive
index µ is equivalent to a path length of µ∆x in vacuum.
The quantity µ∆x is called the optical path length of light, ∆xopt. And in terms of optical path length,
phase difference would be given by,
ω 2π
∆φ = ∆xopt = ∆xopt .....(1)
c λ0
where λ0 = wavelength of light in vacuum
However in tems of the geometrical path length ∆x,
ω 2π
∆φ = (µ∆x) = ∆x ...(2)
c λ
λ0
where λ = wavelength of light in the medium (λ = ).
µ


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Displacement of fringe :
on introduction of a glass slab in the path of the light coming out of the slits –
On introduction of the thin glass-slab of thickness t and refractive index µ, the optical path of the ray
S1P increases by t(µ – 1). Now the path difference between waves coming form S1 and S2 at any point
P is
∆p = S2P – (S1P + t(µ – 1))
= (S2P – S1P) – t(µ – 1)
P
⇒ ∆p = d sin θ – t (µ – 1) if d << D
yd S1 O'
and ∆p = – t(µ – 1) If y << D as well (Central bright
D fringe)
d
for central bright fringe; O
∆p = 0 S2
yd
⇒ = t(µ – 1)
D D
D β
⇒ y = OO′ = (µ – 1) t = (µ – 1) t.
d λ
The whole fringe pattern gets shifted by the same distance
D β
∆ = (µ – 1).t = (µ – 1) t
d λ
• Notice that this shift is in the direction of the slit before which the glass slab is placed. It happens so
because S2 compensates the path difference (arised due to optical path length covered by S1) by
covering more geomatrical path length. If the glass slab is placed before the upper slit, the fringe
pattern gets shifted upwards and if the glass slab is placed before the lower slit the fringe pattern gets
shifted downwards.
Ex.10 In a YDSE with d = 1 mm and D = 1 m, slabs of (t = 1 µm, µ = 3) and (t = 0.5 µm, µ = 2) are
introduced in front of upper and lower slit respectively. Find the shift in the fringe pattern.
Sol. Optical path for light coming from upper slit S1 is
S1P + 1 µm (2 – 1) = S2P + 0.5 m
Similarly optical path for light coming from S2 is
S2P + 0.5 µm (2 – 1) = S2P + 0.5 µm
Path difference : ∆p = (S2P + 0.5 µm) – (S1P + 2µm) = (S2P – S1P) – 1.5 µm
yd
= – 1.5 µm
D
for central bright fringe ∆p = 0
. µm
15
⇒ y= × 1 m = 1.5 mm.
1mm
The whole pattern is shifted by 1.5 mm upwards Ans.


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Ex.11 Interference fringes were produced by Young's double slit method, the wavelength of light
used being 6000 Å. The separation between the two slits is 2 mm. The distance between the
slits and screen is 10 cm. When a transpoarent plate of thickness 0.5 mm is placed over one of
the slits, the fringe pattern is displaced by 5 mm. Find the refractive index of the material of the
plate.
Sol. Here d = 2 cm = 2 × 10–3 m, D = 10 cm = 0.10 m,
t = 0.5 mm = 0.5 × 10–3 m, ∆x = 5 mm = 5 × 10–3 m, λ = 6 × 10–7 m
D
As x0 = ( µ – 1) t
d
x 0 .d 5 × 10 –3 × 2 × 10 –3
∴µ–1= = = 0 .2
D× t 0.10 × 0.5 × 10 – 3
or µ = 1 + 0.2 = 1.2
Ex.12 In a YDSE light of wavelength λ = 5000 Å is used, which emerges in phase from two slits a
distance d = 3 × 10–7 m apart. A transparent sheet of thickness t = 1.5 × 10–7 m, refractive index
n = 1.17, is placed over one of the slits. Where does the central maxima of the interference
now appear?
Sol. The path differene introduced due to introduction of transparent sheet is given by ∆x = (µ – 1)t.
If the central maxima ocupies position of n th fringe,
P
then (µ – 1)t = nλ = d sin θ
( µ – 1) t . × 10 –7
. – 1) × 15
(117 S1
sinθ = = = 0.085 θ
d 3 × 10 –7
d θ
Hence is angular position of central maxima is
S2 dsinθ
θ = sin–1 (0.085) = 4.88°
For small angles sin θ ~

– θ ~
– tan θ
y
As tan θ =
D
y ( µ – 1) t
so =
D d
D(µ – 1) t
Shift of central maxima is Y = . This formula can be used if D is given.
d
YDSE WITH OBLIQUE INCIDENCE :
In YDSE, ray is incident on the slit at an inclination of θ0 to the axis of symmetry of the experimental
set-up for points above the central point on screen, (say for P1)
∆p = d sin θ0 + (S2P1 – S1P1)
⇒ ∆p = d sinθ0 + dsinθ1 (If d << D)
S1
For point O, ∆p = dsinθ0 (because S2O = S1O) P1
and for points below O on the screen, (say for P2) θ0 θ1
∆p = |(dsinθ0 + S2P2) – S1P2| θ2
O
= |(dsinθ0 – (S1P2 – S2P2)|
dsinθ 0 S2
⇒ ∆p = |d sin θ0 – d sin θ2| (if d << D) P2
We obtain central maxima at a point where, ∆p = 0
(d sin θ0 – d sin θ2) = 0 B0
O'


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or θ2 = θ0
This corresponds to the point O′ in the diagram
Hence we have finally for path difference.
 d(sin θ 0 + sin θ) → for po int s above O


∆p = d(sin θ 0 – sin θ) → for po int s between O & O'
 d(sin θ 0 – sin θ) → for po int s below O'

Ex.13 In YDSE with D = 1m, d = 1mm light of wavelength 500 nm is
incident at an angle of 0.57° w.r.t the axis of symmetry of
the experimental set up. If centre of symmetry of screen is O S1 P
y
as shown. 0.57°
(i) find the position of central maxima O
S2
(ii) Intensity at point O in terms of intensity of central maxima I0
(iii) Number of maxima lying between O and the central maxima.
Sol. (i) θ = θ0 = 0.57°
 0.57 
⇒ y = – D tanθ ~
– – D θ = – 1 meter ×  rad

57
⇒ y = – 1cm
(ii) for point 0, θ = 0
Hence, ∆p = d sin θ0, dθ0 = 1 mm × (10–2 rad)
= 10,000 nm = 20 × (500 nm)
⇒ ∆p = 20 λ
Hence point O corresponds to 20th maxima
⇒ intensity at O = I0
(iii) 19 maxima lie between central maxima and O, excluding maxima at O and central maxima.
SHAPE OF INTERFERANCE PATTERN :
1. Shape of the Pattern when the interference takes place due to waves produced by two slits.
dark fringe
Bright fringe
central maxima
Side view of slits linear fringes


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2. Shape of the Pattern when the interference takes place due to waves produced by two point
sources(where the line of sources is perpendicular to the screen).
dark fringe
bright fringe
S1 d = nλ S2 central maxima
Point sources
Screen
Concentric Circular fringes
3. Shape of the Pattern when the interference takes place due to waves produced by two point
sources(where the line of sources is parellel to the screen).
bright fringe
dark fringe
Point sources
S1
central maxima
S2
Screen
Hyperbolic fringes
YDSE with white light
Central Maxima position (where phase difference = 0) is independent of the wavelength of light.
White light is used to find out the central maxima position of YDSE set up because at this position only,
all the wavelength show constructive interference i.e. why we get white spot at that position.
However slightly below or above the position of central maxima fringes will be coloured.
VIBGYOR
λ↑
λD
& as we known y =
d
∴ As we move away from central maxima first maxima & minima are of violet colour but in the near by
region of central maxima reddish colour will dominate because in this region intensity of violet colour
decreases at a faster rate as compared to red colour.
In usual interference pattern with a monochromatic source, a large number of identical interference
fringes are obtained & it is usually not possible to determine the position of central maxima Interference
with white light is used to determine the position of central maxima in such case.


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Ex.14 White light, with a uniform intensity across the visible wavelength range 430–690 nm, is
perpendicularly incident on a water film, of index of refraction µ = 1.33 and thickness d = 320
nm, that is suspended in air. At what wavelength λ is the light reflected by the film brightest to
an observer ?
Sol. This situation is like that of Figure shown, for which equation written below gives the interference
maxima.
1
2µd = (m + )λ for constructive interference.
2
Incident & Reflected light
Air
d µ
Air
Transmitted light
Solving for λ and inserting the given data, we obtain
2µd ( 2)(133
. )(320 nm) 851nm
λ= = =
m + 1/ 2 m + 1/ 2 m + 1/ 2
for m = 0, this give us λ = 1700 nm, which is in the infrared region. For m = 1, we find I = 567 nm, which
is yellow-green light, near the middle of the visible spectrum. For m = 2, λ = 340 nm, which is the
ultraviolet region. So the wavelength at which the light seen by the observer is brightest is
λ = 567 nm. Ans.
Note : When a light gets reflected from a denser medium there is an abrupt phase change of π no phase
change occurs when reflection takes place from rarer medium
Ex.15 Find the minimum value of x for which a maxima is obtained at P.
x=?
//////////////////////////////////
Sol. For maxima, ∆x= λ (because x should be minimum)
Path difference between the direct & reflected ray
λ λ
=x+ + x (due to reflection, a phase change of π or path change of takes place)
2 2
λ
∴ λ = x+ +x
2
λ λ
2x = ⇒x=
2 4


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Ex.16 Find the value of θ for which a maxima is obtained at P.
θ
os 2
cθc
d se θ θ
d dsec θ
P
For maxima at P, ∆x = λ
λ
Path difference between direct & reflected ray = d sec θ cos 2θ + + d sec θ = λ
2
λ
d sec θ (1 + cos 2θ) =
2
λ
d sec θ (2 cos2θ) =
2
λ –1  λ 
cos θ = ⇒ θ = cos  
4d 4d
THIN FILM INTERFERENCE :
When light passes the boundary between two transparent media some light is reflected at the boundary
* some is refracted through the boundary. As shown in the figure some light is reflected from first
surface & some from second surface. If we consider a monochromatic incident light the two reflected
waves are also monochromatic incident light wave via amplitude division. These waves interfer since
they are superposed along the same normal line.
The phase difference between two waves arises due to
1. Optical path difference (due to distance travelled)
2. Reflection from a denser medium
(the second factor is irrelavant for reflection at rarer medium.)
Medium 1 light reflected

frame = surface
Medium 2 Light reflected

from II surface
Three situation may arise :

1. Neither wave experience a phase change upon reflection
(µ1 > µ2 > µ3)


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µ1
µ2 (no phase
t
Change)
µ3 (no phase change)

(reflection
from rarer medium)
2µ 2 t
∆x = µ1
2. Both the wave suffer a phase change upon reflection
µ1
µ2 Phase change t
µ3 > µ2 > µ1 of π
µ3 phase change
of π
2µ 2
∆x = µ t
1
In either of the above cases the phase change due to reflection is irrelevant; no difference in phase
result due to reflection. In either of these cases phase change is determined solely from path difference.
Condition for construction Interference
2n 2 t
= nλ
n1
Condition for destructive interference
2n 2 t  1
=  n + λ
n1  2
3. One of the reflected waves experience a phase change of

π radian upon reflection & the other wave does not
λ
∆x = 2µ t – air
2
λ µ Phase change
t
Due to phase change of π (path change of ) of π
2
air no phase change
the conditions are reversed. (Reflection from rarer medium)
2ut = nλ (for destructive interference)
 1
2ut =  n +  λ (for constructive interference)
2


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Ex.17 A glass lens is coated on one side with a thin film of magnesium fluoride (MgF2) to reduce
reflection from the lens surface (figure). The index of refraction of MgF2 is 1.38; that of the
glass is 1.50. What is the least coating thickness that eliminates (via interference) the reflections
at the middle of the visible specturm (λ = 550 nm) ? Assume the light is approximately
perpendicular to the lens surface.
Sol. The situation here differs from shown figure in that n3 > n2 > n1. The reflection at point a still
introduces a phase difference of π but now the reflection at point b also does the same (see figure)
Unwanted reflections from glass can be, suppressed (at a chosen wavelength) by coating the glass
with a thin transparent film of magnesium fluoride of a properly chosen thickness which introduces a
phase change of half a wavelength. For this, the path length difference 2L within the film must be
equal to an odd number of half wavelengths:
Air MgF2
n1 = 1.00 n2 = 1.33 Glass
n3 = 1.50
r2
c
r1
b
θ
θ a
L
i
2L = (m + 1/2)λn2′
λ
or, with λn2 = n
2'
2n2L = (m + 1/2) λ
We want the least thickness for the coating, that is, the smallest L. Thus we choose m = 0, the
smallest value of m. Solving for L and inserting the given data, we obtain.
λ 550 nm
L = 4n = = 96.6 nm Ans.
2 (4)(138
. )
Ex.18 White light may be considered to have λ from 4000 Å to 7500 Å. If an oil film has thickness 10–
6
m, deduce the wavelengths in the visible region for which the reflection along the normal
direction will be (i) weak, (ii) strong. Take µ of the oil as 1.40.
Sol. The condition for dark fringe or weak reflection when seen in reflected light is 2 µt cos r = nλ, where n
is an integer.
For normal incidence, r = 0 and cos r = 1
2µt
so that 2 µ t = nλ or λ = λ =
n
Substituting the values of µ and t, we get
. × 10 –6 28 × 10 –7
2 × 14
λ= = m
n n
For values of n < 4 or > 7, the values of λ do not lie in the visible range 4000 Å to 7500 Å. But for values
of n = 4, 5, 6, 7, the following wavelengths lie in the visible region :


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28 × 10 –7
(i) λ = = 7.0 × 10–7 m = 7000 Å
4
28 × 10 –7
(ii) λ = = 5.6 × 10–7 m = 5600 Å
5
28 × 10 –7
(iii) λ = = 4.667 × 10–7 m = 4667 Å
6
28 × 10 –7
(iv) λ = = 4.0 × 10–7 m = 4000 Å
7
The condition for bright fringe or strong reflection is
(2n + 1)λ 4µt
2µ t = or λ =
2 ( 2n + 1)
Substituting the values of µ and t, we get
. × 10 –6
4 × 14 56 + 10 –7
λ= = m
2n + 1 2n + 1
For values of n < 4 or > 6, the values of λ do not lie in the visible range. But for n = 4, 5, 6 the following
waelengths lie in the visible range :
56 × 10 –7
(i) λ = = 6.222 × 10–7 m = 6222 Å
2× 4 +1
• THE LLOYD'S MIRROR EXPERIMENT :
Interference
s Area
O
d = 2a a
I D
Screen
In this experiment the light reflected from a long mirror & the light coming directly from the source
without reflection produce interference on a screen i.e. source & Image behave as coherent sources.
An important feature of this experiment lies in the fact that when the screen is placed in contact with
the end of the mirror, the edge of the reflecting surface comes at the centre of dark fringe instead of
a bright fringe. The direct beam does not suffer any phase change, this means that the reflected beam
undergoes a phase change of π radian.
Hence at any point P on the sceen the condition for minima & maxima are
S2P – S1P = nλ [For minima]
 λ
S2P – S1P =  n +  λ [For maxima]
2


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Ex.19 In Lloyd's interference experiment, 10 fringes occupy a space of 1.5 mm. The distance between
the source and the screen is 1.25 m. If light of wavelength 6000 Å is used, find the distance of
the source from the plane minor.
15
.
Sol. Here β= mm = 0.15 × 10–3 m
10
D = 1.25 m, λ = 6000 Å = 6 × 10–7 m
Dλ
As β=
d
Dλ . × 6 × 10 –7
125
∴ d= = m = 50 × 10–4 m = 5.0 mm
β 0.15 × 10 –3
d
Hence distance of source from the plane mirror = = 2.5 min.
2
FRESENEL'S BIPRISM :
M
δ A
A P
S1
B
S2
C
δ E
N
Fig shows the Fresnel's biprism experiment schematicaly. The thin prism P refracts light from the slit
source S into two beams AC & BE. When a screen MN is placed as shown in the figure, the interference
fringes are observed only in the region BC. If the screen MN is removed, the two beam will overlap over
the whole region AE.
If A is the angle of refraction of thin prism & µ is the refractive index of its medium, then the angle of
deviation produced by the prism is
δ = A (µ – 1)
If l1 is the distance between the source & the prism, then the separation between virtual sources is
d = 2δ 1 = 2A(µ – 1) 1
If 2 is the distance between the prism & the screen, then the distance between virtual sources & the
screen is given by
D = 1 + 2
Thus, by using the result of young's experiment, the fringe width is given by
λD λ(l1 + l2 )
β= ⇒ β=
d 2δ l1
λ  l2  λ  l2 
β= 1 +  ⇒ β = 1 + 
2δ  l1  2A( µ – 1)  l1 
Fringes observed in the Fresnel's biprism experiment are vertical stringht lines.


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Ex.20 In a biprism experiment, the slit is illuminated with light of wavelength 4800 Å. The distance
between the slit and diprism is 20 cm and that between biprism and eyepiece is 80 cm. If two
virtual sources are 0.3 cm apart, determine the distance between the 5th bright band on one
side of the central bright band and the 4th dark bank on the other side.
Sol. Here λ = 4.8 × 10–7 m, d = 0.3 × 10–2 m,
D = 20 + 80 = 100 cm = 1 m
Distance of 5th bright from the central bright band is
∆λ
x5 = 5
d
Ex.21 In a biprism experiment, fringe width is measured as 0.4 mm. When the eyepiece is moved
away from the biprism through 30 cm, the fringe width increases by 50%. If the two virtual
sources are 0.6 mm apart, find the wavelength of light used.
150
Sol. Here β1 = 0.4 mm = 0.4 × 10–3 m, β2 = β = 1.5 β1
100 1
D2 = D1 + 30 cm = D1 + 0.3 m, d = 0.6 mm = 0.6 × 10–3 m
D1λ D2λ
As β1 = and β2 =
d d
β 1 D1 β1 D1
= =
∴ β 2 D 2 or . β1 D + 0.3
15 or D1 = 0.6 m
∴ Wavelenth of light used,

β1d 0.4 × 10 –3 × 0.6 × 10 –3
λ= D = = 4 × 10–7 m = 4000 Å
1 0.6
Ex.22 Interference fringes are produced by a Fresnel's biprism in the focal plane of reading microscope
which is 100 cm from the slit. A lens interposed between the biprism and the microscope gives
two images of the slit in two positions. If the images of the slits are 4.05 mm apart in one case,
2.90 mm in the other and the wavelength of light used is 5893 Å, find the distance between two
consecutive bands.
Sol. Here d1 = 4.05 mm = 0.405 cm, d2 = 2.09 mm = 0.209 cm
Distance between the two coherent sources will be
d= d1d2 (Displacement method)
= 0.405 × 0.209 cm = 0.2909 cm

Also D = 100 cm, λ = 5893 × 10–8 cm
Dλ 100 × 5893 × 10 –8
∴ Fringe width, β = = cm = 0.0203 cm.
d 0.2909
HUYGEN'S PRINCIPLE :
The various postulates are :
1. Each source of light is a centre of disturbance from which waves spread in all directions. All particles
equidistant from the source & vibrating in same phase lie on the surface known as wavefront.
2. Wave propagates perpendicular to wavefront
3. Each ray take same time to reach from one wavefront to another wavefront
4. Every point on a wavefront is a source of new disturbance which produces secondary wavelets. These
wavelets are spherical & travel with the speed of light in all directions in that medium.


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5. Only forward envelope enclosing the tangents at the secondary wavelets at any instant gives the new
position of wavefront.
There is no backward flow of energy when a wave travels in the forward direction.
F F2
F1 F1 F2
A2
Ray B2
C2
Ex.23 For the given ray diagram, draw the wavefront
will behave
as point
source
Sol.
Spherical
Planar wavefront Wavefront
REFLECTION AND REFRACTION :

We can use a modified form of Huygens' construction to understand reflection and refraction of light.
Figure (a) shows an incident wavefront which makes an angle 'i' with the surface separating twc
media, for example, air and water. The phase speeds in the two media are v1 and v2. We can see that
when the point A on the incident wavefront strikes the surface, the point B still has to travel a
distance BC = AC sin i, and this takes a time t = BC/v1 = AC (sin i)/v1. After a time t, a secondary
wavefront of radius v2t with A as centre would have travelled into medium 2. The secondary wavefront
with C as centre would have just started, i.e. would have zero radius. We also show a secondary
wavelet originating from a point D in between A and C. Its radius is less than v2t. The wavefront in
medium 2 is thus a line passing through C and tangent to the circle centred on A. We can see that the
angle r′ made by this refracted wavefront with the surface is given by AE = v2t = AC sin r′. Hence, t =
AC (sin r′)/v2. Equating the two expressions for 't' gives us the law of refraction in the form sin i/ sir r′
= v1/v2. A similar picture is drawn in shown figure (b) for the reflected wave which travels back into
medium 1. In this case, we denote the angle made by the reflected wavefront with the surface by r,
and we find that i = r. Notice that for both reflection and refraction, we see secondary wavelets
starting at different times. Compare this with the earlier application (shown figure) where we start
them at the same time.


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The preceding argument gives a good physical picture of how the refracted and reflected waves are
built up from secondary wavelets. We can also understand the laws of reflection and refraction using
the concept that the time taken by light to travel along different rays from one wavefront to another
must be the same. (Fig) Shows the incident and reflected wavefronts when a parallel beam of light falls
on a plane surface. One ray POQ is shown normal to both the reflected and incident wavefronts. The
angle of incidence i and the angle of reflection r are defined as the angles made by the incident and
reflected rays with the normal. As shows in fig shown, these are also the angles between the wavefront
and the surface.
Medium-1
P
B P
Air v1t Q
A i D v1t i r i
C A A C
v 2t B O r'
v,t O
r' r R
E water i
(i) (ii)
Medium-2
(b)
(a)
(c)
(Fig.) (a) Huygens' construction for the (a) refracted wave. (b) Reflected wave. (c) Calculation of
propagation time between wavefronts in (i) reflection and (ii) refraction.
We now calculate the total time to go from one wavefront to another along the rays. From Fig. (c), we
have we have Total time for light to reach from P to Q
PO OQ AO sin i OB sin r OA sin i + ( AB – OA ) sin r AB sin r + OA(sin i – sin r )

= v + v = v + v = v = v1
1 1 1 1 1
Different rays normal to the incident wavefront strike the surface at different points O and hence have
different values of OA. Since the time should be the same for all the rays, the right side of equation
must actually be Independent of OA. The condition, for this to happen is that the coefficient of OA in
Eq. (should be zero, i.e., sin i = sin r. We, thus, have the law of reflection, i = r. Figure also shows
refraction at a plane surface separating medium 1 (speed of light v1) from medium 2 (speed of light v2).
The incident and refracted wavefronts are shown, making angles i and r' with the boundary. Angle r' is
called the angle of refraction. Rays perpendicular to these are also drawn. As before, let us calculate
the time taken to travel between the wavefronts along any ray.
PO OR
Time taken from P to R = v + v
1 2
ΟA sin i ( AC – OA ) sin r ' AC sin r '  sin i sin r ' 

= + = + OA – 
v1 v2 v2  v1 v2 
This time should again be independent of which ray we consider. The coefficient of OA in Equation is,
sin i v1
therefore, zero,. That is, sin r ' = v = n 21
2
where n21 is the refractive index of medium 2 with respect to medium 1. This is Snell's law of, refraction
that we have already dealt with from Eq. n21 is the ratio of speed of light in the first medium (v1) to
that in the second medium (v2). Equation is, known as the Snell's law of refraction. If the first medium
sin i c
is vacuum, we have sin r ' = v = n 2
2
where n2 is the refrective index of medium 2 with respect to vacuum, also called the absolute refractive
index of the medium. A similar equation defines absolute refractive index n1 of the first medium. From
Eq. we then get
v1 ( c / n1) n 2
n21 = v = (c / n ) = n
2 2 1


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The absolute refractive index of air about 1.0003, quite close to 1. Hence, for all practical purposes,
absolute refractive index of a medium may be taken with respect to air. For water, n1 = 1.33, which
c
means v1 = , i.e. about 0.75 times the speed of light in vacuum. The measurement of the speed of
133
.
light in water by Foucault (1850) confirmed this prediction of the wave theory.
Once we have the laws of reflection and refraction, the behaviour of prisms. lenses, and mirrors can be
understood. These topice are discussed in detial in the previous Chapter. Here was just describe the
behaviour of the wavefronts in these three cases (Fig)
(i) Consider a plane wave passing through a thin prism. Clearly, the portion of the incoming wavefront
which travels through the greatest thickness of glass has been delayed the most. Since light travels
more slowly in glass. This explains the tilt in the emerging wavefront.
(ii) A concave mirror produces a similar effect. The centre of the wavefront has to travel a greater
distance before and after getting reflected, when compared to the edge. This again produces a
converging spherical wavefront.
(iii) A concave mirror produces a similar effect. The centre of the wavefront has to travel a greater
distance before and after getting reflected, when compared to the edge. This again produces a
convering spherical wavefront.
(iv) Concave lenses and convex mirrors can be understood from time delay arguments in a simalr manner.
One interesting property which is obvious from the pictures of wavefronts is that the total time taken
from a point on the object to the corresponding point on the image is the same measured along any ray
(Fig.). For example, when a convex lens focuses light to form a real image, it may seem that rays going
through the centre are shorter. But because to the slower speed in glass, the time taken is the same
as for rays travelling near the edge of the lens.
(a) (b)
(c)


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WWW.EXAMBAT.

WAVE OPTICS Page # 3

Visible light is that part of electromagnetic spectrum which is visible to us

• Wave front is a locus of particles having same phase.

Shape of wavefronts vary from source to source.

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Page # 4 WAVE OPTICS

(iii) For line source

y1 = A1 sin (ωt + kx + 30°)

Susperposition of two sinusoidal waves :

Ex.1 If i1 = 3 sin ω t and i2 = 4 cos ω t, find i3 which is given by i3 = i1 + i2

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WAVE OPTICS Page # 5

S2 E = E1 + E2 = 5 sin(ωt + tan (–1) 4 / 3 )

∴ Inet = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I2 cos φ (as I ∝ A2)

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Page # 6 WAVE OPTICS

For Inet to be minimum,

Thus Imax = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I2 = ( I1 + I2 ) 2

Similarly, for n identical waves,

Imax = ( I0 + I0 +....) 2 = n 2I0

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WAVE OPTICS Page # 7

YOUNG'S DOUBLE SLIT EXPERIMENT (Y.D.S.E.) :

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Analysis of Interference Pattern :

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WAVE OPTICS Page # 9

Here n = ± 1 corresponds to first minima,

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Page # 10 WAVE OPTICS

Ex.7 In a YDSE, D = 1m, d = 1mm and λ =1/2 mm

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WAVE OPTICS Page # 11

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Page # 12 WAVE OPTICS

GEOMETRICAL PATH & OPTICAL PATH

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WAVE OPTICS Page # 13

for central bright fringe ∆p = 0

The whole pattern is shifted by 1.5 mm upwards Ans.

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For small angles sin θ ~

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WAVE OPTICS Page # 15

 d(sin θ 0 + sin θ) → for po int s above O

SHAPE OF INTERFERANCE PATTERN :

Side view of slits linear fringes

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