38 Engineering Physics

✦ Application of biprism for the determination of wavelength of light, distance between two virtual
coherent sources and thickness of transparent sheet were discussed. The displacement of fringes by the
introduction of thin transparent sheet in the path of one light wave was also explored.
✦ Thin films are used for the division of amplitude of light waves which superimpose each other. The
interference pattern obtained by thin films of uniform and non-uniform thicknesses was investigated.
✦ When the air film is created between the curved surface of a plano-convex lens and the flat surface of
a mirror, the interference takes place between the reflected as well as the transmitted light. Here the
fringes are obtained in the form of rings known as Newton’s rings.
✦ Newton’s rings method was used for determination of the wavelength of light, radius of curvature of a
plano-convex lens and the refractive index of liquid.
✦ The theory was extended to Newton’s rings formed between two curved surfaces.
✦ Theory and practical applications of Michelson’s interferometer were discussed. Clarification of path
difference and the details of formation of fringes were given.
✦ Engineering applications of interference were included, particularly related to the testing of optical
flatness of surfaces and nonreflecting or antireflecting coatings.
✦ Finally the scientific applications of interference were discussed related to various interferometry,
tomography and lithography.

s olved e XAMPles

E xamplE 1 If light of wavelength 660 nm has wave trains 13.2 ¥ 10–6m long, what would be the coherence
time.
Solution Given l = 6.6 ¥ 10–7m, coherence length (DL) = 1.32 ¥ 10–5m and coherence time (Dt) = ?
Formula used is DL = c ◊ Dt
DL 1.32 ¥ 10-5
or Dt = = = 4.4 ¥ 10 –14 sec
c 3 ¥ 108

E xamplE 2 Coherence length of a light is 2.945 ¥ 10–2 m and its wavelength is 5896 Å. Calculate the
coherence time and number of oscillations corresponding to the coherence length.
Solution Given DL = 2.945 ¥ 10–2m and l = 5.896 ¥ 10–7 ◊ Dt = ?
Formula used is DL = cDt
DL 2.945 ¥ 10-2
or Dt = = = 9.816 ¥ 10 –11 sec
c 3 ¥ 108
and number of oscillations in a length L,
DL 2.945 ¥ 10-2
n= = = 4.99 ¥ 104
l 5.896 ¥ 10-7

E xamplE 3 A coherent beam has band width of 1200 Hz. Obtain the coherence length.
Solution Given Dn = 1200 Hz and C = 3 ¥ 108 m/s