PHY127: Physical Optics

Shaher Azad Himu

Lecturer
Department of Physics
 Syllabus
Physical Optics: Theories of light; Interference of
light, Young's double slit experiment,
Displacement of fringes and its uses, Fresnel Bi-
prism, Interference at wedge shaped films,
Newton's rings, Interferometers; Diffraction of
light; Fresnel and Fraunhoffer diffraction,
Diffraction by single slit, Diffraction from a
circular aperture, Resolving power of optical
instruments,
 Syllabus
Diffraction at double slit and N-slits-
diffraction grating; Polarization;
Production and analysis of polarized light,
Brewster's Law, Malus Law, Polarization by
double refraction, Retardation plates,
Nicol prism, Optical activity , Polarimeters,
Polaroid.

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Interference
 Interference of light
Definition: The phenomenon of the variation of
Figure 1
intensity of light created due to the superposition
of two light-waves emitted from two coherent
sources is called interference.

Constructive
Light +light = more light

Figure 2

Destructive
Light +light = No light
Figure 3
5
 Conditions of Interference

1. The amplitude and frequency of

the two waves should be equal.
2. The two sources of light should be
coherent sources (i.e having
constant phase relation).

6
 Realization of coherent sources
Realization of coherent source in practice

• The width of the Slits (a, b, c) should be very

small comparable to wavelength of light used
• distance ab = distance ac
• b and c very close to each other

Coherent source can be realized or produced in two ways

Figure 1
1. Wave front splitting: In this method the coherent sources
are produced by the division of wave front. Example:
Young’s double slit experiment.
2. Amplitude splitting: In this method, the coherent sources
are produced by the division of amplitude. Example:
Interference in thin film

Figure 2 7
Young’s Double-Slit experiment

8
 Young’s Double-Slit experiment
The displacements of the waves
incident at point P
2𝜋
𝑦1 = 𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑣𝑡 − 𝑟1 … . . (1)
𝜆
2𝜋
𝑦2 = 𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑣𝑡 − 𝑟2 … . . (2)
𝜆
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑤𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑠,
2𝜋 2𝜋
𝜑= 𝑣𝑡 − 𝑟1 − 𝑣𝑡 − 𝑟2
𝜆 𝜆
2𝜋
= 𝑟2 − 𝑟1
𝜆
2𝜋
𝜑= 𝑃𝑆2 − 𝑃𝑆1
𝜆
2𝜋
= × 𝑃𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒
𝜆 Figure 1
2𝜋
𝜑 = × 𝑑𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 … … … . (3)
𝜆 9
 Young’s Double-Slit experiment
Condition of constructive interference
Path difference,
∆ = 𝑑𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑛𝜆 … … . … … . . (4)
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑛 = 0, ±1, ±2 … .

The corresponding phase difference is

2𝜋
𝜑= × 𝑛𝜆 = 2𝑛𝜋 … … … … … … … … … … (5)
𝜆

Condition of destructive interference

Path difference,
𝜆
∆ = 𝑑𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 2𝑛 + 1 … … … . . (6)
2

The corresponding phase difference

2𝜋 𝜆 Figure 1
𝜑= × 2𝑛 + 1 = 2𝑛 + 1 𝜋 … … … … (7)
𝜆 2 10
 Separation between any two successive fringes

Figure 1

In the figure 1, Consider, The distance 𝑥𝑛 = PQ represents

OQ = S1 S = S2 R = L the nth bright fringe
and S1 S2 = d,
So, one can write from figure 1, 𝑑
𝑑 PS = 𝑥𝑛 −
SQ = S1 O = 2
2 𝑑
𝑑 PR = 𝑥𝑛 +
RQ = S2 O = 2
2 11
 Separation between any two successive fringes
From the triangle 𝑃𝑆1 𝑆
2
2 2
𝑑
𝑃𝑆1 = 𝐿 + 𝑥𝑛 − … … … . (1)
2

From the tringle 𝑃𝑆2 𝑅

2
𝑑
𝑃𝑆2 2 = 𝐿2 + 𝑥𝑛 + … … … . (2)
2

Subtracting (1) from (2) Figure 1

2 2
𝑑 𝑑
𝑃𝑆2 2 − 𝑃𝑆1 2 = 𝐿2 + 𝑥𝑛 + − 𝐿2 − 𝑥𝑛 − = 2𝑥𝑛 𝑑
2 2
𝑃𝑆2 + 𝑃𝑆1 𝑃𝑆2 − 𝑃𝑆1 = 2𝑥𝑛 𝑑 … … … … … … … … … … (3)

As 𝑥𝑛 and 𝑑 are very small compared 𝐿,

𝑃𝑆2 ≈ 𝑃𝑆1 ≈ 𝐿, ∴ 𝑃𝑆2 +𝑃𝑆1 ≈ 2𝐿
𝑥 𝑑
Path difference = 𝑃𝑆2 − 𝑃𝑆1 = 𝑛𝐿 … … … … … … … … … … (4)

12
 Separation between any two successive fringes
For nth bright fringe

𝑥𝑛 𝑑
= 𝑛𝜆
𝐿
𝑛𝜆𝐿 𝛽𝑏
𝑥𝑛 = … … … … … … … . … … … (5)
𝑑
For 𝑛 + 1 𝑡ℎ bright fringes,

𝑛 + 1 𝜆𝐿
𝑥𝑛+1 = … … . . … … … (6)
𝑑
From equation (5) and (6)

𝑛 + 1 𝜆𝐿 𝑛𝜆𝐿
𝛽𝑏 = 𝑥𝑛+1 − 𝑥𝑛 = −
𝑑 𝑑
𝜆𝐿
𝛽𝑏 = … … … … … … … … … … … … (7)
𝑑 13
 Separation between any two successive fringes
For nth dark fringe

𝑥𝑛 𝑑 𝜆
= 2𝑛 + 1
𝐿 2
𝜆𝐿
𝑥𝑛 = 2𝑛 + 1 … … … … … … … … (8)
𝑑
𝛽𝑑
For 𝑛 + 1 𝑡ℎ dark fringe,

2 𝑛 + 1 + 1 𝜆𝐿
𝑥𝑛+1 = … … . . … … … (9)
𝑑
From equation (8) and (9) From equation
(7) and (10)
2 𝑛 + 1 + 1 𝜆𝐿 𝜆𝐿
𝛽𝑑 = 𝑥𝑛+1 − 𝑥𝑛 == − 2𝑛 + 1 𝛃𝐛 = 𝛃 𝐝
𝑑 𝑑
𝜆𝐿
𝛽𝑑 = … … … … … … … (10)
𝑑
14
Resultant Intensity due to superposition of two interfering waves
The displacement at point P due the simple harmonic waves
from S1 and S2 can be represented by
𝑦1 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡
𝑦2 = 𝐵 sin (𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)
The resultant wave on the screen is
𝑦 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝐵 sin (𝜔𝑡 + 𝜑)
𝑦 = 𝐴 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝐵 sin 𝜔𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑 + 𝐵 cos 𝜔𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜑
𝑦 = sin 𝜔𝑡 𝐴 + 𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑 + 𝐵 cos 𝜔𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜑 … … (1)
Let
𝐴 + 𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑 = 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 … … … . . (2)
𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜑 = 𝑅𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 … … … … … … … … . . (3)
Equation (1) becomes
𝑦 = 𝑅 sin 𝜔𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑅 cos 𝜔𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑦 = 𝑅 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜃)
R is the amplitude of the resultant wave
15
Resultant Intensity due to superposition of two interfering waves
R can be found by squaring and adding equations
(2) and (3)
𝑅2 = 𝐵2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜑 + 𝐴2 + 2𝐴𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑 + 𝐵2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜑
𝑅2 = 𝐴2 + 𝐵2 + 2𝐴𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑 … … . (4)
The intensity is given by

𝐼 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2 + 2 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑 … … . (5)
When 𝐴 = 𝐵, equation (4) becomes
𝐼 = 𝑅2 = 2𝐴2 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑 … … … . (6) 𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒,
2 2 2
𝜑 2𝜋
𝐼 = 𝑅 = 4𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 … … … … . . (7) ⇒𝜑= 𝑃𝑆2 − 𝑃𝑆1
2 𝜆
𝜋𝑑𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 2𝜋
𝐼 = 4𝐴2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 … … . . (8) ⇒𝜑= × 𝑃𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒
𝜆 𝜆
𝑦
From triangle POQ, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑛
𝐿 2𝜋
𝜋𝑑𝑦𝑛 ⇒𝜑= × 𝑑𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
2
𝐼 = 4𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 … … … . (9) 𝜆
𝜆𝐿 𝜑𝜆
⇒ 𝑑𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 =
2𝜋 16
Resultant Intensity due to superposition of two interfering waves
From equation (7)
𝜑
𝐼= 4𝐴2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 … … . (10)
2
Condition of bright fringes
When, 𝜑 = ±2𝑛𝜋 𝑛 = 0, 1, 2, … .
𝐼𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = 4𝐴2
• Where is it bright?
Condition of dark fringes. 𝑑𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑛𝜆

When 𝜑 = ±(2𝑛 + 1)𝜋 • Where is it dark?

𝑑𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 2𝑛 + 1 𝜆/2
𝐼𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑘 = 0

17
Resultant Intensity due to superposition of two interfering waves
𝑛 Phase difference (𝜑) 𝜑𝜆
Path difference, 𝑑𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 2𝜋

bright (±2𝑛𝜋) Dark, ±(2𝑛 + 1)𝜋 Bright dark

0 0 ±𝜋 0 ±𝜆/2
1 ±2𝜋 ±3𝜋 −𝜆 ±3𝜆/2
2 ±4𝜋 ±5𝜋 −2𝜆 ±5𝜆/2
3 ±6𝜋 ±7𝜋 −3𝜆 ±7𝜆/2

18
 Interference in thin film due to reflected light
The geometrical path difference between the
two rays
∆= 𝐵𝐷 + 𝐷𝐸 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑚 − 𝐵𝑀 𝑎𝑖𝑟
The optical path difference
∆= 𝜇 𝐵𝐷 + 𝐷𝐸 − 𝐵𝑀 … … … … . (1)
Optical path = 𝜇 × geometrical path
From figure 𝐵𝐷 = 𝐷𝐸
∆= 2𝜇 × 𝐵𝐷 − 𝐵𝑀 … … … … . (2) Figure 1
𝐵𝑀
From the triangle BME, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑖 = Phase change
𝐵𝐸 of π
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑖 Additional
𝐵𝑀 = 𝐵𝐸𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑖 = 𝐵𝐸 × 𝜇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟 𝜇=
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟 path
𝐵𝑀 = 𝐵𝐸 × 𝜇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟 … … … … 3 difference of
1 λ/2
𝐵𝐿 𝐵𝐸 Figure 2
From triangle BDL, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟 = = 2
𝐵𝐷 𝐵𝐷 2π 2π
𝐵𝐸 = 2 × 𝐵𝐷 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟 … … … … (4) 𝛿= ×∆ ⇒𝜋 = × ∆ ⇒ ∆= λ/2
λ λ
19
 Interference in thin film due to reflected light
From equation (3) and (4)
𝐵𝑀 = 2 × 𝐵𝐷 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟 × 𝜇𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟
= 2𝐵𝐷𝜇𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑟 … … . . (5)
From equation (2) and (5)
∆= 2𝜇 × 𝐵𝐷 − 2𝐵𝐷𝜇𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑟
∆= 2𝜇𝐵𝐷 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑟
= 2𝜇𝐵𝐷𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑟 … … . . (6) Figure 1
𝐷𝐿 𝑡
From the triangle BDL, 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 = = Phase change
𝐵𝐷 𝐵𝐷 of π
𝑡 Additional
𝐵𝐷 = … … … (7) path
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 difference of
From (6) and (7) λ/2
Figure 2
∆= 2𝜇𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 … … … . . (8) 2π 2π
𝛿= ×∆ ⇒𝜋 = × ∆ ⇒ ∆= λ/2
λ λ
20
 Interference in thin film due to reflected light
So, the total effective path difference will
be
𝜆
∆= 2𝜇𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 + … … … … (9)
2

(i) For constructive interference

𝜆 Figure 1
2𝜇𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 + = 𝑛𝜆
2 Phase change
𝜆 of π
2𝜇𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 = 2𝑛 − 1 … … … . (10) Additional
2 path
For normal incidence, 𝑖 = 0, So, 𝑟 = 0 difference of
𝜆 λ/2
Figure 2
2𝜇𝑡 = 2𝑛 − 1 … … … . . (11)
2 𝛿=
2π
×∆ ⇒𝜋 =
2π
× ∆ ⇒ ∆= λ/2
λ λ
21
 Interference in thin film due to reflected light
(ii) For destructive interference
𝜆 𝜆
2𝜇𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 + = (2𝑛 + 1)
2 2
2𝜇𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 = 𝑛𝜆 … … … … (12)
For normal incidence, 𝑖 = 0, So, 𝑟 =
0 Figure 1
2𝜇𝑡 = 𝑛𝜆 … … … … (13) Phase change
of π
Additional
path
difference of
λ/2
Figure 2
2π 2π
𝛿= ×∆ ⇒𝜋 = × ∆ ⇒ ∆= λ/2
λ λ
22
Determination of the radius of curvature of a Plano-convex lens
A C
F

B G Lens
t 𝑟
D
Plane Mirror
Figure 1 (a). Schematic diagram of light
rays in Newton’s rings experiment. Figure 1 (b). Newton’s Rings.
The effective optical path difference between BC and DF will
λ For nth dark rings,
be , ∆= 2𝜇𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 + 2 … … … … . (1) 𝜆 𝜆
𝜆 2𝜇𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 + = (2𝑛 + 1)
For nth bright ring, 2𝜇𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 + 2 = 𝑛𝜆 2 2
𝜆 For normal incidence, 𝑖 = 0, So, 𝑟 = 0
2𝜇𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 = 2𝑛 − 1 … … … … . . (2) and for air 𝜇 = 1
2
For normal incidence, 𝑖 = 0, So, 𝑟 = 0 and for air 𝜇 = 1
𝜆 2𝑡 = 𝑛𝜆 … … … … … . . . (4)
2𝑡 = 2𝑛 − 1 … … … … . … . (3)
2 23
Determination of the radius of curvature of a Plano-convex lens
Microscope

L O
Glass plate
θ
45𝑜 S R 𝑅−𝑡
Light
Air film B A
Lens Source
t 𝑟𝑛
Plane mirror Plane mirror
Figure 2 (a) Figure 2 (b)
From ∆𝑂𝐴𝐵, R2 = rn2 + R − t 2 From equation (3) and 6)
⇒ R2 = rn2 + R2 − 2𝑅𝑡 + t 2 … … … . (5) rn2 𝜆
2× = 2𝑛 − 1
Since R ≫ t, t 2 can be neglect 2𝑅 2
𝜆
rn2 rn2 = 𝑅 2𝑛 − 1 … … … … … … . . (7)
𝑡= … … … … … . (6) 2
2𝑅 Diameter 𝐷𝑛 for nth bright ring
2 2
𝜆
Dn = 4rn = 4𝑅 2𝑛 − 1 … … … … … . . (8)
2 24
Determination of the radius of curvature of a Plano-convex lens

From equation (4) and (6)

rn2
2× = 𝑛𝜆
2𝑅
rn2 = 𝑅𝑛𝜆
Diameter for nth dark ring
D2n = 4rn2 = 4𝑅𝑛𝜆 … … . (9)
Diameter for 𝑛 + 𝑝 𝑡ℎ dark ring
D2n+𝑝 = 4𝑅(𝑛 + 𝑝)𝜆 … … … . . 10
From equation (9) and (10)
D2n+𝑝 − D2n = 4𝑅 𝑛 + 𝑝 𝜆 − 4𝑅𝑛𝜆 = 4𝑅𝑝𝜆
Figure 3
D2n+𝑝− D2n
𝑅= … … … . (11)
4𝑝𝜆
25
 Nature of Newton’s Rings
Diameter for nth dark ring
D2n = 4rn2 = 4𝑅𝑛𝜆
Dn = 2rn = 2 𝑅𝑛𝜆
Difference in diameters of the 5th and 4th dark
rings

D5 − D4 = 2 5− 4 𝑅𝜆 = 0.46 𝑅𝜆
Difference in diameters of the 17th and 16th dark
rings

D17 − D16 = 2 17 − 16 𝑅𝜆 = 0.26 𝑅𝜆

Thus it is clear that the alternate bright and
dark rings surrounding the central dark spot in
Figure 3
Newton’s rings gradually become narrower as
their radii increase.
26
 Nature of Newton’s Rings

Reason for dark central spot:

λ
• The optical path difference is ∆= 2𝑡 +
2

λ
• Since, 𝑡 = 0, So, ∆=
2

• Thus the superposing waves are out of phase

λ
by which is equivalent to a phase shift of 𝜋 .
2

Reason for circular rings:

• Radial symmetry of air film, Fringes of equal
thickness.

27
Math problems of Newton’s rings

28
 Homework

● Two coherent beams of wavelength 5000 Å reaching a point

would individually produce intensities 1.44 and 4.00 units. If they
reach there together, the intensity is 0.90 units. Calculate the
lowest phase difference with which the beams reach that point.
● In the Newton’s rings experiment, the diameter of 15th ring was
found to be 0.59 cm and that of the 5th ring was 0.336 cm. if the
radius of the plano-convex lens is 100 cm. calculate the wave
length of the light used.
● Determine the wavelength of a monochromatic light and the
refractive index of a liquid using Newton’s ring.
● Read about Fresnel Biprism and Michelson Interferometer.
29
 Wedge Shaped Film
A thin film having zero thickness at one
end and progressively increasing to a
particular thickness at the other end is
called a wedge.

The optical difference between the two

rays BC and DE is given by
𝜆
Δ = 2𝜇𝑡 cos 𝑟 +
2
where λ/2 takes account the gain of half–
wave dueto the abrupt jump of π radians in
the phase of the wave reflected from the
bottom boundary of air –to – glass.

30
 Wedge Shaped Film
let us say a dark fringe occurs at A where the
relation
2𝜇𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑟 = 𝑚𝜆
is satisfied. If normal incidence is assumed,
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 = 1 and if the thickness of air film at A is
denoted by 𝑡1 , then at A.
2𝜇𝑡1 = 𝑚𝜆 … … (1)
The next dark fringe will occur, say, at C where
the thickness 𝐶𝐿 = 𝑡2 . Then at C
2𝜇𝑡2 = 𝑚 + 1 𝜆 … … (2)
Subtracting the two eqn we get
2𝜇(𝑡2 −𝑡1 ) = 𝜆 … … (3)
But,
𝑡2 − 𝑡1 = 𝐵𝐶
And,
𝐵𝐶 = 𝐴𝐵 tan 𝜃 31
 Wedge Shaped Film
𝜆
∴ 𝐴𝐵 tan 𝜃 =
2𝜇

AB is the distance between successive dark

fringes and it also equals the separation of the
successive bright fringes. It is, therefore, called
the fringe width, 𝛽. That is 𝐴𝐵 = 𝛽. We may
write
𝜆
𝛽=
2𝜇 tan 𝜃
For small values of 𝜃, tan 𝜃 ≈ 𝜃
𝜆
𝛽=
2𝜇𝜃

32
 Wedge Shaped Film
DETERMINATION OF THE WEDGE ANGLE

The wedge angle 𝜃 can be experimentally

determined with the help of a travelling
microscope. Using the microscope the
positions of dark fringes at two distant
points Q and R are noted. Let the distance
OQ be 𝑥1 and OR be 𝑥2 . Let the thickness of
the wedge be 𝑡1 at Q and 𝑡2 at R.

The dark fringe at Q is given by

2𝜇𝑡1 = 𝑚𝜆
But as 𝜃 is very small, we can write
𝑡1 = 𝑥1 tan 𝜃 ≅ 𝑥1 𝜃
∴ 2𝜇 𝑥1 𝜃 = 𝑚𝜆
33
 Wedge Shaped Film
We can write similarly for the dark fringe at
R as
2𝜇 𝑥2 𝜃 = (𝑚 + 𝑁)𝜆
where N is the number of dark fringes lying
between the positions Q and R.

Subtracting and simplifying we get

𝑁𝜆
𝜃=
2𝜇 (𝑥2 −𝑥1 )
In case of air 𝜇 = 1 and the above relation
reduces to
𝑁𝜆
𝜃=
2 (𝑥2 −𝑥1 )

34
 Wedge Shaped Film
The thickness of the spacer used to form
the wedge shaped air film between the
glass slides can be determined from the
above measurements. If ‘𝑡’ is the thickness
of the spacer (foil or wire) used, we can
write
𝑡 = 𝑙 tan 𝜃 ≅ 𝑙 𝜃
Combining with the previous eqn we get

𝑙𝑁𝜆
𝑡=
2 (𝑥2 −𝑥1 )

35
 Fresnel Biprism
Fresnel biprism is an optical device to
produce two coherent sources for
interference phenomenon by division of
wave front.
Construction
A biprism consists of a
combination of two acute
angled prisms placed base to
base.

The obtuse angle of the

biprism is 179° and other two
acute angles are 30°. 36
 Fresnel Biprism
• 𝑆 is the source
• 𝑆1 and 𝑆2 are coherent sources
(virtual) obtained through the
two surfaces of the biprism
• d = distance between the
sources 𝑆1 and 𝑆2 .
• a = distance between biprism
and source S.
• b = distance between screen
and biprism
• D=a+b
37
Determination of the wavelength of a monochromatic light using
Fresnel’s Biprism

The theory of the interference and fringe formation in case

of Fresnel biprism is the same as the double-slit.

The width of the dark or bright fringe is given by equation

𝜆𝐿
𝛽= … … … … . . (1)
𝑑

Where 𝑑 is the distance between two coherent sources

and 𝐿 is the distance between the slit and the focal plane
of the eyepiece.

The same equation can be used to determine the

wavelength of a monochromatic light.
38
Determination of the wavelength of a monochromatic light using
Fresnel’s Biprism

Figure 1 Figure 2
𝐿 is the distance between the slit and the 𝐹𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛,
focal plane of the eyepiece measured from 𝑥𝑁 − 𝑥𝑜
the optical bench 𝛽=
𝑁
39
Determination of the wavelength of a monochromatic light using
Fresnel’s Biprism
By the principle of linear magnification for
the position of the lens L1,
𝑑1 𝑣
= … … … … (2)
𝑑 𝑢
By the principle of conjugate foci for the
position of the lens L2
𝑑2 𝑢
= … … … … (3)
𝑑 𝑣
From equation (2) and (3)
𝑑1 𝑑2 𝑣 𝑢
× = ×
𝑑 𝑑 𝑢 𝑣
𝑑 = 𝑑1 × 𝑑2 … … … … . . (4)
Use equation (1) to determine the wave
𝛽𝑑
length of monochromatic light, 𝜆 =
𝐿

40
 Lateral Displacement of Fringes
Suppose 𝑆1 and 𝑆2 are the virtual
coherent monochromatic sources. The
point 𝑂 is equidistant from 𝑆1 and 𝑆2 ,
where we obtain the central bright
fringe. Therefore, the optical path
𝑆1 𝑂 = 𝑆2 𝑂.

Let a transparent plate 𝐺 of thickness 𝑡

and refractive index 𝜇 be introduced in
the path of one of the beams (see Fig.
1). The optical path lengths 𝑆1 𝑂 and 𝑆2 𝑂
are now not equal and the central
bright fringe shifts to 𝑃 from 𝑂. The
light waves from 𝑆1 to 𝑃 travel partly in Figure 1
air and partly in the sheet G; the
distance travelled in air is 𝑆1 𝑃 − 𝑡 and
that in the sheet is t. 41
 Lateral Displacement of Fringes
The optical path,
ΔS1 P = 𝑆1 𝑃 − 𝑡 + 𝜇𝑡 = 𝑆1 𝑃 + (𝜇 − 1)𝑡

The optical path, ΔS2P = 𝑆2 𝑃

The optical path difference at P is
ΔS1 P − ΔS2 P = 0, since in the presence of
the thin sheet the optical path lengths
𝑆1 𝑃 and 𝑆2 𝑃 are equal and central zero
fringe is obtained at P
∴ ΔS1 P = ΔS2 P L
⇒ 𝑆1 𝑃 + (𝜇 − 1)𝑡 = 𝑆2 𝑃
⇒ 𝑆1 𝑃 − 𝑆2 𝑃 = (𝜇 − 1)𝑡
But, 𝑆1 𝑃 − 𝑆2 𝑃 =
𝑥𝑑
𝐿
Figure 1
So,
𝑥𝑑 𝑥𝑑
= (𝜇 − 1)𝑡 Or, 𝑡 =
𝐿 𝐿(𝜇−1)
42
 Mathematical problem
In a biprism experiment the eyepiece is placed at a
distance of 1.2 m from the source. The distance between
the virtual sources was found to be 7.5 x 10-4 m. Find the
wavelength of light , if the eyepiece is to be moved
transversely through a distance of 1.89 cm for 20
fringes.
𝑥𝑁 − 𝑥𝑜 𝑥𝑁 − 𝑥𝑜 = 1.89 𝑐𝑚
𝛽=
𝑁
𝜆𝐿
𝛽=
𝑑
43
 Mathematical problem
Interference fringes in biprism are formed by superposition of two coherent light beam of wave
length 6 × 10−7 m. If a thin plate of material having refractive index 1.6 is placed in the path of
one of the beams, the central fringe shifts to the place previously occupied by the 10th fringe.
Find the thickness of the plate.

The shift of the central fringe is given by

𝐿
𝑥 = (𝜇 − 1)𝑡 … … … … … … … … … … (1)
𝑑
The fringe separation is given by
𝐿𝜆 𝛽 𝐿
𝛽= ⇒ = …………………………… 2
𝑑 𝜆 𝑑
From equation (1) and (2)
𝛽
𝑥= 𝑡 𝜇−1
𝜆
𝑥𝑜 𝜆
⇒𝑡=
𝛽(𝜇 − 1)
𝑥 = 10𝛽, 𝜆 = 6 × 10−7 𝑚, 𝜇 = 1.6
𝑡 = 10−3 𝑐𝑚
44
 Michelson Interferometer

G1
G2

45
 Michelson Interferometer
When mirror 𝑀1 and 𝑀2 are exactly perpendicular to each
other, then circular fringes form. 𝑆2
𝑀2
The path difference between the light waves
2𝑑 𝜃
Δ = 2𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝐺
𝜆 𝑀1′
There is an additional 𝜋 phase shift or path difference 𝑆1
2
between the two waves so the total path difference
𝜆
Δ = 2𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 +
2 𝑑 𝜃 𝜃
𝑀1′
For constructive interference,
𝜆
Δ = 2𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + = 𝑛𝜆
2
𝜆 Source
2𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = (2𝑛 − 1)
2 Telescope

For destructive interference,

𝜆 𝜆
Δ = 2𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + = (2𝑛 + 1)
2 2
2𝑑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 𝑛𝜆 46
 Michelson Interferometer
𝑆2
𝑀2

2𝑑 𝜃
𝐺
𝑀1′
𝑆1

𝑑 𝜃 𝜃
𝑀1′

Source
Telescope

A light ray comes from the source S and is reflected by both 𝑀1′ and M2 , the observer will
se two virtual images; S1 due the reflection at 𝑀1′ and S2 due to the reflection at M2

47
Determination of spectral resolution

48
Determination of spectral resolution

49
 Homework

● Read about Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction

50