Interference 13

Condition for Dark Fringes: In order to interfere destructively and produce dark fringe at point P, the two
rays should arrive at this point in out of phase (phase difference of p). This is possible, if the path difference
l
is an odd multiple of . Therefore,
2
Ê 1ˆ
D = Á n + ˜ l , where n = 0, 1, 2, ...
Ë 2¯
From Eq. (iv)
2d l
D= xn = (2n + 1) (vii)
D 2
(2n + 1)l D
xn = (viii)
4d
Equation (viii) gives the distance of nth order dark fringe from the point C. The distance of the next (n+1)th
minimum from the point C will be
[2(n + 1) + 1]l D
x( n +1) =
4d
(2n + 3)l D
= (ix)
4d
Hence, the fringe width between two consecutive minima would be
(2n + 3)l D (2n + 1)l D
b = x( n +1) - xn = -
4d 4d
lD
b= (x)
2d
It is clear from Eqs. (vi) and (x) that the bright and dark fringes are of equal width.
1.9.1.2 Experimental Method for Determination of Wavelength of Light
The experimental setup used for the determination of wavelength of light consists of a good quality heavy
optical bench of about 1.5 meter length fitted with scale. It has four uprights that carry an adjustable slit S, a
biprism, a convex lens and a micrometer eyepiece, respectively. These components are shown in Fig. 1.12.
Each upright can be moved along the length of the optical bench and screws are provided to rotate the slit and
biprism in their own planes and the eyepiece can also move at right angle to the length of the optical bench.
To obtain well defined and sharp interference fringes, the following adjustments are necessary:
(i) Labeled optical bench by using spirit level and leveling screws.
(ii) Adjust all uprights to the same height.
(iii) Illuminate the vertical slit by monochromatic source of light. Make the slit narrow.
(iv) Now place the biprism on the second upright and try to adjust its edge parallel to the slit until two
equally bright virtual sources A and B are observed.
(v) Shift the micrometer eyepiece on the bench away from the slit and also move it at right angle to the
length of optical bench until the fringes are observed in the field of view.