MODULE 4 OPTICS - INTERFERENCE

Q.1. What do you mean by thin film? Explain the formation of colours in the thin film.
ANS: Thin film is the film whose thickness is of the order of wavelength of the
light which is used to expose it. When a thin film is exposed to white light from an
extended source, it shows beautiful colours in the reflected system. Light is reflected
from the top and bottom surfaces of a thin film and the reflected rays interfere. The path
difference between the interfering rays depends on the thickness of the film and the
angle of refraction r and hence on the inclination of the incident ray. White light consists of a
continuous range of wavelengths. At a particular point of the film and for a particular position
of the eye (i.e.t and r constant) those wavelengths of incident light that satisfy the condition
for the constructive interference in the reflected system will be seen in reflected light. The
colouration will vary with the thickness of the film and inclination of the rays (i.e. With the
position of the eye with respect to the film).Hence if the same point of the film is observed
with an eye in different positions or different points of the film are observed with the eye in
the same position, a different set of colours is observed each time.

Q.2. Obtain the condition for maxima and minima of light reflected from the transparent film
of uniform thickness. Why is the visibility of the fringe much higher in the reflected system
than in the transmitted system?
ANS: Consider a thin transparent film of refractive index μ. Let the bounding surface be
strictly parallel to each other so that thickness is uniform all over the film. Consider a
monochromatic beam of light AB incident at the upper bounding surface, it is partially
reflected in the direction BC and refracted in the direction BF. Successive reflections and
refractions give two reflected rays BC and DE derived from one original ray AB. But they
follow different paths and their phase will be different. Ray BC starts from B but DE has to
travel BF +FD in a medium of refractive index μ. To find the path difference, drop the
perpendicular from D to BC.
Therefore optical path difference Δ= μ(BF +FD)-BH …………………..(1)
In triangle BGF, cosr = t/BF
So, BF= t/cosr
Similarly, in triangle DGF, FD =t/cosr.
In triangle BHD sin i = BH/BD
Sin i = BH/2BG
BH = 2BG sin i
In triangle BGF, tan r = BG/GF
BG = GF tan r
BG = t tanr
Substituting BF, FD BH in equation (1)
Δ = μ(t/cosr + t/cosr ) -2t tanr sin i
Sini = μ sinr
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟
Δ = 2μt/cosr- 2μt𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 sinr

Δ =2μt(1-sin2 r)/cosr
Δ = 2μtcos2 r/cosr
Δ = 2μtcosr.
But since reflection at point ‘B’ takes place at the surface of denser medium ,path difference
of λ/2 should be taken into account.
Therefore actual path difference is Δ = 2μtcosr ±λ/2…………………….(2)
Condition for constructive interference (or maxima or brightness)]
If the OPD is an integral multiple of λ, then the waves interfere constructively.
Δ =nλ
From equation (2)
2μtcosr±λ/2 =nλ
2μtcosr =(2n±1)λ/2…………………………………(3)
Condition for destructive interference (or minima or darkness)
If OPD is odd multiple of λ/2, then the rays interfere destructively,
Δ =(2n±1)λ/2
From equation (2)
2μtcosr ±λ/2 =(2n± 1)λ/2
2μtcosr =nλ-----------------------------------------------------(4)
In reflected system intensity of maxima is 14% and minima is zero so the contrast
between dark and bright fringe is good but in transmitted system intensity of maxima is
100% and minima is 85% so the contrast between dark and bright is poor. So, visibility
of fringes is more in reflected light than the transmitted system.
Q.3.Obtain the condition for maxima and minima due to interference in a wedge shape film
observed in reflected light. How is the interference pattern in wedge shaped film?
ANS : Consider a film of non-uniform thickness as shown in Fig. It is bound by two
surfaces OX and OX′ inclined at an angle θ. The thickness of the film
gradually increases from O to X. Such a film of non-uniform thickness is known as
wedge shaped film. The point O at which the thickness is zero is known
as the edge of the wedge. The angle θ between the surfaces OX and OX′ is
known as the angle of wedge. Let μ be therefractive index of the material of the
film. Let a beam AB of monochromatic light of wavelength λ be incident at an angle
‘i’ on the upper surface of the film. It is reflected along BF and is transmitted along BC.
At C also the beam suffers partial reflection and refraction and finally we have the ray DR2
in the reflected system. Thus as a result of partial reflection and refraction at the
upper and lower surfaces of the film, we have two coherent rays BR1and DR2 in the
reflected system.

To find the path difference between these two rays, draw DF perpendicular to BR1. The
optical path difference between the rays BR1and DR2 is
Δ = μ (BC + CD ) – BF. ………………………………..(1)
Extend BC further to appoint P such that CP = CD. Draw a perpendicular DE to BC such that
BE = EC is also perpendicular DP to OX’ at I.
Therefore Optical Path Difference Δ = μ (BE + EC + CD ) – BF.
Δ = μ (BE + EC + CP ) – BF……………………………….(2)
In triangle BDE and BFD
sin 𝑖 𝐵𝐹
=𝐵𝐸
sin 𝑟

sin 𝑖 𝐵𝐹
But sin 𝑟 =μ ⸫ μ =𝐵𝐸 ⸫ BF = μ BE

Equation 2 becomes Δ = μ (BE + EC + CP ) – μ BE

Δ = μ (EC + CP) i.e Δ =μ (EP)
In triangle DPE
𝐸𝑃
Cos (r+𝜃) = 𝐷𝑃

EP = DP Cos (r+𝜃)
DP = 2DI
DP = 2t
Therefore, Δ=2μtcos(r+𝜃 )
Due to reflection at B, an additional path change of λ/2 .
Δ=2μtcos(r+𝜃 ) ± λ/2
Condition for constructive interference (or maxima or brightness)]
If the OPD is an integral multiple of λ, then the waves interfere constructively.
Δ =nλ
From equation (2)
2μtcos(r+𝜃) ±λ/2 =nλ
2μtcos(r+𝜽) =(2n±1)λ/2…………………………………(3)
Condition for destructive interference (or minima or darkness)
If OPD is odd multiple of λ/2, then the rays interfere destructively,
Δ =(2n±1)λ/2
From equation (2)
2μtcos(r+𝜃) ±λ/2 =(2n± 1)λ/2
2μtcos(r+𝜽) =nλ-----------------------------------------------------(4)
The interference pattern in wedge shaped film consists of alternate dark and bright bands
which are parallel to each other and they are equally spaced.

Q 4. Obtain an expression for fringe width in the interference pattern of wedge shape film.
How this phenomenon is used to determine thickness of thin paper.
ANS:

Consider a point A very near to edge of the wedge such that thickness of the film at A is t1
If t1 is of such thickness that 2μt1cos(r+ѳ) is odd multiple of λ/2 then A will look bright. All
along the straight line passing through AA’ has same thickness. therefore, a bright band is
obtained at A.Let ꞵ be the distance between two bright bands
Consider a point C such that thickness of the film at C is t3.If t3 is of such thickness that
2μt3cos(r+ѳ) is odd multiple of λ/2 then C will look bright. All along the straight line passing
through CC’ has same thickness. therefore, a bright band is obtained at C.Let ꞵ be the
distance between two dark bands.
For normal incidence and very small angle cos(r+ѳ) =1
2μt1cos(r+ѳ) = λ/2……………………………………………….(1)
2μt3cos(r+ѳ) =3λ/2………………………………………………..(2)
t1 = λ/4μ t3 = 3λ/4μ
t3 - t1 = λ/2μ
tan ѳ = t3 - t1 /ꞵ
ꞵ= λ/2μ tan ѳ
For very small angle tan ѳ = ѳ
Therefore ꞵ= λ/2μѳ………………………………….(3)
Similarly, for dark bands
2μt2 = 2λ/2 i.e t2 = λ/4μ
2μt4 = 4λ/2 i.e t4 = λ/μ
tan ѳ = t4 - t2 /ꞵ
ꞵ= λ/2μ tan ѳ
For very small angle tan ѳ = ѳ
Therefore ꞵ= λ/2μѳ………………………………….(4)
From equation 3 and 4, distance between two dark bands and bright bands are same. So bands
are equally spaced.
DIAMETER OF A THIN WIRE:

Take two optically flat glass plates and held them together at one end so that a wedge shaped
air film is formed with a very small wedge angle ѳ. At other end put the wire or foil whose
diameter is to be determined. From the figure,
tan ѳ = d/l…………………….(1)
also tan ѳ =λ/2μꞵ…………….(2)
from 1 &2
d/l = λ/2μꞵ i.e d = lλ/2ꞵ
for an air film μ =1, ꞵ which is distance between two dark or bright bands can be measured
experimentally.
Therefore, diameter can be determined.
Q.5. Obtain the expression for the n th dark ring in Newton`s ring experiment. Hence explain
a Suitable way to calculate refractive index of a liquid using same set up.
ANS:
When a Plano convex lens of large radius of curvature is placed on a flat glass plate , an air
film is formed between lower surface of the lens and upper surface of the plate. The thickness
of the film gradually increases from the point of contact outwards. If monochromatic light is
allowed to fall normally on this film, a system of alternate dark and bright concentric rings
with dark centre is obtained.
Radius of nth dark ring.

Let R be the radius of curvature of lens surface. Let nth dark ring is obtained at point B. Let rn
is the radius of nth dark ring.
In triangle OCB
R2 = (R-t)2 + rn 2
R2 = R2 -2Rt + t2 + rn 2
⸫ rn 2 = 2Rt …………………………………..(1)
As t is very small higher orders of t can be neglected.
For dark ring 2μtcos(r+𝜃) =nλ
cos(r+𝜃) =1 for normal incidence and large radius of curvature
⸫ t = nλ / 2μ
Substituting in equation (1)
⸫ rn 2 = Rnλ /μ

⸫ r n = √𝑛
For air film μ=1,

The experimental set up is as shown in the figure below.

The light from the source is rendered parallel by means of a converging lens. The parallel
beam of light is intercepted by means of a glass plate inclined at an angle of 45° so as to get
the normal incidence. This light illuminates the air film and the interference pattern is
observed through a travelling microscope focussed on it.

The interference pattern consists of dark and bright concentric rings with dark centre when
observed in reflected light. The cross wire of the eyepiece of an travelling microscope is
focussed on nth dark ring and microscopic readings(main scale reading and Vernier scale
readings) are noted when the film is air.
D 2n = 4nλR-------------------------------(1)
The travelling microscope is moved and focussed on (n+p)th dark ring,and again microscopic
readings are noted whn the film is air.
D2 (n+p) = 4(n+p)λR -------------------------------(2)
From equation (1) and (2)
D2 (n+p) - D 2n = 4pλR …………………………………(3)
Now, pour the liquid whose refractive index is to be determined. Now air film is replaced by
liquid film .Repeat the same procedure and find diameter of nth and (n+p)th ring by taking
main scale and Vernier scale reading when the film is liquid.
D’2 (n+p) - D’ 2n = 4pλR /μ………………………………….(4)
Divide equation (3) and (4)
(𝐷2 −𝐷2 )𝑎𝑖𝑟
⸫ μ =(𝐷′2 𝑛+𝑝−𝐷′2 )𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑
𝑛+𝑝

Q.6. Why does the fringe width decrease as order increase in Newton`s ring but remain
constant in a wedge shape film. How would be the interference pattern in both the cases if
illuminated by white light.
ANS One can say that rings are unequally spaced, because difference between two
consecutive rings represents thickness of ring. In case of the wedge-shaped film, t remains
constant along lines parallel to the thin edge of the wedge. Hence the maxima and minima are
straight lines parallel to the thin edge of the wedge. If illuminated by white light, instead of
dark and bright fringes, coloured fringes will be obtained.
Q.7. In Newton’s ring experiment, why (i) The planoconvex lens has larger radius of
curvature? (ii) The rings get closer away from centre? (iii) Central fringe is dark in reflected
light? (iv) fringes are circular.
ANS:i)The angle of wedge film enclosed between glass plate and lower surface of lens is
very small and hence can be neglected. Since the angle is small, thickness of air film trapped
is less .so higher order can be neglected.
iii) In newtons ring, the optical path difference in reflected light is given by
Δ =2μtcos(r+ϴ)± λ/2 .
At the point of contact of lens and the plate thickness is zero, so optical path difference
becomes only λ/2 which is condition for destructive interference. Therefore, the centre is
dark.
iv)When a planoconvex lens of large radius of curvature is placed on a flat glass plate, a thin
film of air is trapped between lens and plate. The thickness of the film is such that thickness
is zero at the point of contact of lens and plate and gradually increases outwards. The locus of
all the points having same thickness falls on the circle.so the air film has a circular symmetry.
When this is illuminated alternate dark and bright concentric rings are observed. So the
fringes are circular.
Q.8. Explain briefly why the fringes in Newton’s ring arrangement are circular whereas they
are straight and parallel in air wedge.
ANS: In both air-wedge film and Newton’s ring experiments, each fringe is the locus of
points of equal thickness of the film. In Newton’s rings arrangement, the locus of points
of equal thickness of air film lie on a circle with the point of contact of plano-convex lens
and the glass plate as centre. So, the fringes are circular in nature and concentric. For wedge
shape air film, the locus of points of equal thickness are straight lines parallel to the edge of
the wedge. So, fringes appear straight and parallel.
Q1.18. In Newton’s ring experiment, if observed in reflected light, is it possible to obtain
bright spot at centre? If a light of red color is used first and then a blue light, which set of
rings would have the larger diameter. [difficulty level- medium]
ANS:
A bright centre in reflected system can be obtained by selecting lens, medium and the glass
plate in such a way that refractive index of lens is less than the medium and refractive index
of medium is less than the plate. That means μ 1 < μ < μ 2So that there is phase reversal of
П at two places ( at B and D) and total phase difference is zero. In this case
Δ=2μtcos(r+ϴ) ±λ/2 ±λ/2.
i.e Δ=2μtcos(r+ϴ) ±λ
At the point of contact thickness is zero, therefore optical path difference becomes only
which is condition for brightness. Therefor bright centre can be obtained
If the light of red colour is used first and then a blue light, red colour would have a larger
diameter as red colour have more wavelength than blue light.

Q.9 Discuss the condition required for a film to act as anti-reflection coating. Why do coated
lenses look purple by reflected light?
ANS. A thin transparent film coated on a surface of the lenses in order to supress the
reflections from it is called antireflecting film.

A film can be an antireflecting film if it satisfies amplitude and phase condition. i.e Both the
reflected rays have the same amplitude and they should be out of phase by П
Amplitude condition: amplitude condition says that amplitude of both the reflected rays
𝜇 −𝜇𝑎 𝜇𝑔 −𝜇𝑓
should be same. According to Fresnel’s equation, 𝑓 =
𝜇𝑓 +𝜇𝑎 𝜇𝑔 +𝜇𝑓

Let 𝜇𝑓 =x , 𝜇𝑔 = y and 𝜇𝑎 = 1
𝑥−1 𝑦−𝑥
⸫𝑥+1 = 𝑦+𝑥

⸫(x-1)(y+x) = (y-x)(x+1)
⸫ xy + x2 -y-x = xy + y -x2 -x

⸫ x=√𝑦
i.e 𝜇𝑓 = √𝜇𝑔

The refractive index of the material suitable for antireflecting coating should be
approximately square root of refractive index of glass. Usually MgF 2 and cryolite are widely
used.
Phase condition says that both the reflected rays should be out of phase byП.that means there
should be complete destructive interference between the reflected rays.
Δ = (2n±1)λ/2
2μftcosr ± λ/2± λ/2 = (2n±1)λ/2
Since reflection at B and C occurs at the surface of denser medium,
2μftcosr ± λ=(2n±1)λ/2
For normal incidence cos r =1 and let t= tmin for n=0
⸫ 2μftmin = λ/2
tmin = λ /4μf
that means the thickness of the film coated on the lens should be quarter of wavelength. Such
a thick coating eliminates reflections and allows more light to pass through the optical
component.
Non-reflecting coating reduces reflections from 4 to 5 % to less than 1 %.This 1 % reflection
takes places on longer as well as shorter wavelength side. Hence thin film appears purple.

Q.10 How is the phenomenon of interference used to test the optical flatness of a surface.
ANS. The phenomenon of interference is used in testing the planeness/flatness of the
surface. If the two surface OA and OB are perfectly plane, the air film between them
gradually varies in thickness from O to A. The fringes are of equal thickness as each fringe is
the locus of the points at which the thickness of film has a constant value. If the fringes are
not of equal thickness, it means that surface are not plane.
Q.11 With the help of proper diagram and necessary expression, explain how Newton`s ring
experiment is useful to determine the radius of curvature of a plano-convex lens.
ANS. A planoconvex lens of large radius of curvature is placed on a plane glass
plate so that a thin film of air is trapped between the spherical surface of the lens and
a glass plate. This thin air film is illuminated by a monochromatic source of light. The light
from the source is rendered parallel by means of a converging lens. The parallel beam of light
is intercepted by means of a glass plate inclined at an angle of 45° so as to get the normal
incidence. This light illuminates the air film and the interference pattern is observed through
a travelling microscope focussed on it.

The interference pattern consists of dark and bright concentric rings with dark centre when
observed in reflected light. The cross wire of the eyepiece of an travelling microscope is
focussed on nth dark ring and microscopic readings(main scale reading and Vernier scale
readings) are noted.
D 2n = 4nλR/μ-------------------------------(1)
The travelling microscope is moved and focussed on (n+p) th dark ring,and again microscopic
readings are noted.
D2 (n+p) = 4(n+p)λR /μ-------------------------------(2)
From equation (1) and (2)
D2 (n+p) - D 2n = 4pλR /μ
Diameters can be found experimentally, knowing the wavelength of the source, radius of
curvature can be determined.
Q12. State giving the reasons what change do you expect in newton’s ring (i) if top surface of
the glass plate on which the lens is kept is highly silvered. (ii) if the lens is lifted slowly off
the plate by a distance of half the wavelength
ANS.(i) If the top surface of glass plate on which the lens is kept is highly silvered or
replaced by plane mirror, the fringes will disappear and we shall get a uniform illumination.
It is because the intensity of light reflected from the surface of the mirror is very large as
compared to the intensity of light reflected from the curved surface of air film.
(ii) If the lens is lifted slowly off the plate by a distance of half the wavelength, then nth
dark ring will shrink to (n-1)th dark ring. Thus, as the distance between the lens and plate is
increased the thickness and hence the order of ring at a given point increases. The rings
therefore come closer until they are no longer separately observed.
We know radius of nth ring is rn 2 = 2Rt
Therefore 2t = rn 2 /R--------------------------------(1)
For the condition of darkness, 2μtcos(r+ϴ ) =nλ
For normal incidence and small angle cos(r+ϴ ) =1 and for air film μ =1
Therefore 2t =nλ-------------------------------------(2)
Now if the lens is raised by some distance say y then t = (t+y) where y =λ/2
Substituting value of t inequation (2)
i.e 2(t+y) = nλ
2t +2y = nλ
Substituting value of 2t From equation (1)
rn 2 /R = nλ -2y
𝑟𝑛=√𝑅(𝑛𝜆−2𝑦)

the above equation represent radius of nth ring when lens is lifted up through a distance of ‘y’
let y = λ/2
substituting y as half the wavelength and for n =1 , the radius of first dark ring becomes zero.
That means the firstb dark ring merges into centre.

𝑟1=√𝑅(1𝜆−2𝜆/2)

Therefore r1 = 0.
If n is substituted as n=2, then second dark ring occupy the position of s first dark ring and so
on. Thus nth dark ring will shrink to (n-1)th dark ring.

Q13 Explain the necessity of broad source in interference in thin films

ANS In the case of interference in thin film , the narrow source limits the visibility of film.
Consider ray SA starting from narrow source ‘S’. It suffers reflection and enters the eye
whereas SB incident at a different angle after reflection and internal reflection will not reach
the eye. Hence only limited portion of the film is visible. If an extended source of light is
used, then S1 A and S2A after reflection and internal reflection will reach the eye from a large
portion of film.
Q14 Explain highly reflecting film.
Ans Highly reflecting film is used in all kind of sun control films used on car, sun glasses etc. when
light is incident on the glass surface. Part of it is reflected and part of it is transmitted. For highly
reflecting films, majority of light needed to be reflected and this can be achieved if the two reflecting
rays would interfere constructively .

For constructive interference, OPD Δ = nλ

i.e 2μf t cos r ± λ/2 ± λ/2 = nλ

since the reflection at B and D both takes place at a surface of denser medium.

2μf t cos r ±𝜆 = nλ

2μf t cos r = (n± 1) λ

For normal incidence cosr =1

Let t= t min for n= 0

Therefore, 2μf t min = λ

t min = λ/ 2μf

For a highly reflecting film the minimum thickness of the film should be λ/ 2μf

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