UNIT 3

INTERFERENCE &
DIFFRACTION
(INTERFERENCE IN WEDGE
SHAPED THIN FILM)
Dr. Jagdish W. Dadge
Assistant Professor
Department of Physics
COEP
 INTERFERENCE : Introduction
Interference:
When two or more waves superimpose, the resultant
amplitude (intensity) in the region of superposition is
different than the amplitude (or intensity) of
individual waves. This modification in the distribution
of intensity in the region of superposition is called
interference.
OR
The phenomenon of redistribution of light energy
when there is superposition of light waves coming from
two or more coherent sources is called Interference.
This phenomenon is based on superposition principle.
 INTERFERENCE : Introduction
CONDITION FOR SUSTAINED INTERFERENCE
OF LIGHT
• The two interfering sources must be coherent,
that is, they must keep a constant phase
difference.
• The two interfering sources must emit the light
of the same wavelength and time period
(monochromatic source)
• The amplitudes or intensities of the interfering
waves must be equal or very nearly equal so that
the minimum intensity would be zero.
 INTERFERENCE : Introduction
Condition for constructive interference:
When two light waves travelling through a
medium arrive at a point in phase
simultaneously, the resultant light intensity at
that point is maximum and the point appears
bright. This is called condition of constructive
interference.
The phase difference between the two waves
is 0, 2 , … .
The path difference between the two waves =
nλ where n the order of fringe is 0, 1, 2, 3…..
 INTERFERENCE : Introduction
Condition for destructive interference:
When two light waves travelling through a
medium arrive at a point out of phase, the
resultant light intensity at that point is
minimum and the point appears dark. This is
called condition of destructive interference.
The phase difference between the two waves
is , , ,… .
The path difference between the two waves
=(2n+1) / where n the order of fringe is 0, 1,
2, 3…..
 Techniques of Interference
Division of wavefront Division of amplitude
 INTERFERENCE DUE TO WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS

ASSUMPTIONS:
[1] According to Stokes relation, when a light
waves is reflected at the surface of optically
denser medium (i.e.) surface backed by a
denser medium), it suffers a phase change
of  i.e. a path difference of /2.
[2] A distance ‘l’ traversed by light wave in a
medium of refractive index ‘’ has it’s
equivalent optical path ‘l’.
 INTERFERENCE DUE TO WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS
Film of varying thickness
A wedge shaped film is a thin film of varying thickness
having thickness zero at one end and uniformly
increasing towards other end.
A wedge shaped thin film of air can be formed by
placing two glass slides resting on each other at one
edge and separated by a thin spacer at the opposite
edge.
INTERFERENCE DUE TO WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS

Experimental Arrangement
INTERFERENCE DUE TO WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS

Ray1
Ray2
 INTERFERENCE DUE TO WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS
Optical path covered by ray1 = BF
Optical path covered by ray2 = (BC+CD)
Let us find out BF :
As per Snell’s law, we have

From EPD,
 INTERFERENCE DUE TO WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS

The effective path difference between ray 1 and ray2

is given by
 INTERFERENCE DUE TO WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS
Condition for brightness:
The total path difference should be integral multiple of 
=n where n=0,1,2,3,…..
2tcos(r+) + (/2)= n
2tcos(r+) = (2n+1)/2

Condition for darkness:

The total path difference should be odd multiple of /2
=(2n + 1)/2 where n=0,1,2,3,…..
2tcos(r+) + (/2)= (2n + 1)/2
2tcos(r+) = n
 WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS
Salient features of the Interference Pattern due to wedge
shaped thin film
(1)Fringes are equidistant
Consider two consecutive dark
fringes at point A and C as shown
in figure.
The nth dark band be
formed at point A at a distance x1
from the edge of contact ‘O’ and t1
be the thickness of film at A.
The (n+1) th dark band is formed at point C at a distance
x2 from ‘O’ and t2 is the thickness of film at point C.
 WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS

For destructive interference

condition,
2 μ t cos r = n λ (normal incidence,
cos r =1)
or 2 μ t1= nλ ------- (1)

For (n+1)th dark fringe,

2 μ t2 = (n+1) λ --------- (2)
Subtracting (1) from (2) we get,
2 μ (t2 – t1) = λ -------- (3)
From figure, in right angled triangle AEC,
tan θ = / =t2 − t1/x2−x1
Since θ is small, tan θ ~ θ,t2 − t1= (x2−x1 ) θ ---- (4)
 WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS

Interference
pattern
Substituting value of t2-t1 in equation (3) we get
2 μ (x2-x1) θ = λ
Since x2-x1 = β = Fringe width (ie. distance between two
consecutive dark fringes).
Therefore, 2 μ β θ = λ or Fringe width β = /2μ
For air film, refractive index μ =1,
β = /2
Since , are constant, β is constant. Hence fringes
are equidistant .
 WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS
[2] The fringe at apex is dark
At the apex, the thickness of the wedge is very small
compared to λ, i.e. . Therefore thickness of film at
apex is zero.
The op cal path difference becomes, Δ = 2μt−λ/2 = λ/2
For path difference of /2, the interfering rays will
always be 180° out of phase and interfere destructively .
Therefore, the fringe at the apex of the wedge is always
dark.
 WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS
[3] Fringes are straight and parallel
The locus of points having the same thickness lie
along lines parallel to the apex line of the
[Link], the fringes are straight. Since the
fringes are equidistant and straight, they are
parallel.

[4] Fringes of equal thickness

As each maximum or minimum is a locus of
constant film thickness, the fringes are called
fringes of equal thickness.
 WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS
[5] Fringes are localized
The fringes are located at the top surface of the
wedge film.
[6] Wedge Angle ()
Experimentally, we can find the
wedge angle ‘θ’ using a travelling
microscope.
As shown in the fig consider two
dark fringes formed at points A and
B at a distance x1and x2 respectively
from apex ‘O’.
 WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS
Let the thickness of the film
be t1 and t2 at A and B
respectively.
 At point A, 2 μ t1 = n λ
From the figure, t1 = x1tan θ
~ x1 θ (as θ is very small)
2μ x1 θ = nλ ------(1)
Similarly, at point B,
2μ x2 θ = (n+N) λ ------- (2)
where N is the number of fringes between A and B.
Subtracting (1) from (2) we get, 2 μ(x2-x1) θ = Nλ
Hence = λ/2 μ(x2-x1)
for air film, = λ/2 (x2-x1) ----- (3)
 WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS
[7] Spacer thickness
To find the thickness of spacer/sheet or diameter of
wire ‘t’
From figure , t = tan θ
where is the length of air wedge
Substituting the value of θ from eqn.3 we get,
= =lNλ/2μ (x2-x1) -----
(usingeqn.3)
 WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS (Numericals)
(1)A air wedge of angle 0.01 radian is illuminated by
monochromatic light of wavelength 6000 Å falling
normally on it. At what distance from the edge of the
wedge will 10th dark fringe be observed by reflected
light?
Given:  = 0.01 radian m=10
=6000x10-8 cm
The condition for dark fringe is :
2t=m --------(1) (=1 for air wedge)
Wedge angle =t/x
t = x
Substitute in eq (1)
2x= m
x= m/2= 0.3mm
 WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS (Numericals)

(2) A beam of monochromatic light of wavelength 5.82 x 10-7

m falls normally on a glass wedge with the wedge angle of
20 secs. If the refractive index of glass is 1.5, find the total
number of fringes per cm.

Given: = 20 secs= 20x /60 x60x180 radian

=/2 = 2mm
No of fringes per cm= 10mm/2mm=5 per cm
 WEDGE-SHAPED FILMS (Numericals)
3) Suppose a wedge shaped air film is made between two sheets of
glass with a piece of paper 7.618 x 10-5 m thick used a the spacer at
their very ends. If light of wavelength 500nm is incident normally.
Determine the number of fringes that will be seen across the wedge.

Given: t= 7.618 x10-5m

= 500 x 10 -9 m
=/2 tan ----(1)
Number of fringes N= L/
N =L2tan /-------(2)
From figure, tan= t/L
or L=t/ tan ----------(3)
Substitute L in eq (2) and =1
N= 2t/

N= 2x 7.618x 10-5/500 x 10-9= 300 fringes

(4) A soap film 5 x 10-5 cm thick is viewed at an angle of 35
to the normal. Find the wavelengths of light in the visible
spectrum which will be absent from the reflected light
(=1.33)
Given: = sin i/sin r
1.33= sin 35/sin r
r= 25.5
cos r= 0.90
Condition for destructive interference is 2t cosr = m
m=1, 1 = 120 m
m=2, 2 = 6000 Å
m=3, 3 = 4000 Å
m=4, 4 = 3000Å
2 and 3 in the visible region
(5) A thin film of soap solution is illuminated by the white light at an
angle of incidence i= sin -1 (4/5). In the reflected light two dark
consecutive overlapping fringes are observed corresponding to
wavelengths 6.1 x 10-7 m and 6 x 10-7 m. Refractive index for soap
solution is 4/3. Calculate the thickness of the film.
n1=(n+1)2
n(6.1 x 10-7)=(n+1) 6 x 10-7
n=60
sin i = 4/5
= 4/3= sin i/sin r
Sin r = sin i/ = (4/5)/(4/3)=0.6
Cos r = (1-sin2r)1/2= 0.8

Condition for destructive is

2t cos r = n1 or t= n1/ 2 cos r = 1.72 x 10-5 m
NEWTONS RINGS

Figure : Experimental set

up of Newton’s rings and
Fringe pattern
 NEWTONS RINGS
The phenomenon of
Newton's rings is an
interference pattern formed by
the reflection of light from a
film enclosed between a
Plano-convex lens of large
radius of curvature and a
plane glass plate as shown in
figure.

The air film has zero thickness at the point of contact

between lens and glass plate and gradually increases
as we move away from the point of contact.
 NEWTONS RINGS

When illuminated by monochromatic source, light is

reflected at point D from inner surface of the lens as
ray 1 and the remaining light pass through an air film,
strike the plane glass plate at point J and gets reflected
as ray 2 as shown in Figure.
Ray 1 and ray 2 interfere and produce interference
pattern
 NEWTONS RINGS
Condition for dark and bright rings
The condition of brightness and darkness depends on path
difference between the two reflected light rays 1 and 2.

For bright rings: Path difference 2 μ t cos r - /2 = nλ

For air film, μ= 1and for normal incidence cos r =1 ,
Hence 2t - /2 = nλ
Or 2 = (2n+1) /2 ------(A) Condition for Constructive

For dark rings: Path difference 2 μ t cos r - /2 = (2n-1) /2

For air film, μ= 1and for normal incidence cos r =1 ,
Hence 2t - /2 = (2n-1) /2
Or 2 = nλ ------ ---(B) Condition for Destructive
 Features of Newtons Rings

1. Dark central fringe

2. Fringes of equal thickness
3. Circular and concentric
4. Fringes are localised
 Expression for Radii of dark and bright rings
Radius of Dark Ring:-
Let us Consider a Plano-convex lens of large
radius of curvature ‘R’.Let the dark ring be
located at the point Q. The thickness of the
air film at Q is PQ = t,
• radius of the nth dark ring at Q is
OQ = rn
By the theorem of intersecting chords
EP X HE = OE X EM ----(1)

But EP = OQ =HE = rn But EM = (OM-OE) = (2R-t) -----(2)

From eqn(1) EM = EP X HE/OE = rn X rn /t = r2n/t
Substitute EM value in eqn (2)
r2n = t(2R-t) = 2Rt-t2
As 2Rt   t2 , t2 can be neglected
r2n = 2Rt -----------(3)
From eqn (B) 2t = n condition for dark fringe
rn = nR or Dn = 2 nR ---------- (4)

Radius of the bright rings:-

Let us suppose that the bright ring is located at the point Q. The radius
of the nth bright ring is given by from eqn (3)
r2n = 2Rt
Substituting condn for bright fringe from eqn (A) is 2 = (2n+1) /2
rn = (2n+1) R /2
Or Dn = 2(2n+1) R /2
 Applications of Newtons Rings
1. Determination of Wavelengths:-
From eqn (4) Dn = 2 nR
Or D2n = 4nR ------(1)
For (n+p)th ring
D2(n+p) = 4(n+p)R --------(2)
Substract (1) from (2)
D2(n+p) - D2n = 4pR ------(3)

 = D2(n+p) - D2n /4pR

From eqn (1) D2n /n= 4R or Slope = 4R

 = Slope/4R
 2. Determination of R.I. of liquid
If the gap between lens and plane glass sheet is filled with liquid,
the air film is replaced by liquid film.
The condition for minima is given by
2 μ t cos r = n  ----------(1)
For normal incidence cosr = 1
2 μ t = n  ----------(2) Where μ is R.I. of liquid
The radius of the nth dark ring is given by
r2n = 2Rt --------(3)
Using eqn (2) and (3)
(r2n)L= n R/ μ ------(4)
(D2n)L= 4 n R/ μ --------(5)

Similarly for (n+p) th ring

(D2n+p)L=4 (n+p) R/ μ ------(6)
Substract eqn (5) from (6)
(D2n+p)L -(D2n)L = 4 p R/ μ --------(7)

μ = (D2n+p)air -(D2n)air / (D2n+p)L -(D2n)L

( from (3) wavelength determination
derivation D2(n+p) - D2n = 4pR)
1. In the Newton’s rings, Prove that as the order of fringe
increases, fringes get closer and fringe width decreases.

Sol: D dark = 2 nR

D  n

D1= 1 = 1
0.414
D2= 2 = 1.414
0.316
D3= 3 = 1.73
0.27
D4= 4 = 2

Fringe width β = /2μ Or β  1/

2. In a Newtons rings experiment the diameter of 10th ring
changes from 1.40 to 1.27 when a drop of liquid is introduced
between the lens and the glass plate. Calculate the refractive
index of the liquid.

μ = (D2n+p)air - (D2n)air / (D2n+p)L - (D2n)L

μ = (D2n)air / (D2n)L = (1.40)2 / (1.27)2 = 1.25

3. In a Newtons rings experiment the diameter of the 15 th ring was
found to be 0.59cm and that of the fifth ring was 0.336 cm. If the
radius of the plano convex less is 100cm, calculate the wavelength
of light used.

 = D2(m+p) - D2m /4pR = D215 - D2 5 /4x 10 x 1 (R= 100cm =1m)

= (5.9 – 3.36)2 x 10 -6 / 4 x 10 x 1

 = 5880 Å
 Interference in parallel thin film of uniform thickness
Condition for constructive interference:
The total path difference should be integral multiple of 
=n where n=0,1,2,3,…..
2tcos r + (/2)= n
2tcos r = (2n+1)/2

Condition for destructive interference:

The total path difference should be odd multiple of /2
=(2n + 1)/2 where n=0,1,2,3,…..
2tcos r + (/2)= (2n + 1)/2
2tcos r= n
 Antireflection coating:-
The thin film can act as an antireflection coating if a) The waves
reflected from its top and bottom surfaces are exactly 1800 out
of phase.
(b) The waves have equal amplitudes
Let us consider the example of a lens surface coated with a thin fim
of a hard transparent material.
(a) Amplitude Condition:-
Amplitude of reflected rays 1 and 2 are equal
E21 = E22 or I1 = I2 --------(1)
Cauchy’s Condition
(f - a / f + a )2 = (g - f / g + f )2 ---(2)
Where a , f and g are R.I. of air, film and glass
As a =1
(f - 1 / f + 1 )2 = (g - f / g + f )2
Take sq. root on both sides and add 1 on both sides
(f - 1 / f + 1 ) +1 = (g - f / g + f ) +1

(f )2= g or f = g

(b) Phase Condition:-

This condition requires that two reflected rays 1 and 2 should be
out of phase

We have uniform thickness film

p.d. = 2 μf t cos r -------(1)

Two rays are reflected from denser medium

Eff. P.d. = 2 μf t cos r - /2 - /2
P.d = 2 μf t cos r - ----------(2)
 corresponds to 2 phase change so no change betn 1 and 2
And assume beam is ncident normally
p.d.= 2 μf t -------------(3)
The condition for destructive interference is
2 μf t = (2n +1) /2
The minimum thickness required, can be
Obtained, when n=0
there fore 2 μf t = /2

tmin = /4 μf ---------------(4)
(1) Can a thin film of some liquid formed on a glass window (g = 1.52)
act as a non reflecting film? If so how thick should be the water
film?
Given:  = 5500 Å
A thin film of refractive index f act as a non reflecting film on a
substrate having refractive index g

If f =g or f =1.52 = 1.233

The thickness of the film is given by

t= /4 f

t= 1115 Å or 0.11 m
DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT
 DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT: INTRODUCTION
Some examples of diffraction phenomenon in real life are Sun
appears red during sunset, bending of light at the corners of the door
as shown in figure.
Diffraction in the atmosphere by small particles can cause a bright
ring to be visible around a bright light source like the sun or the moon.
 CONDITIONS FOR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT
The amount of diffraction depends on the wavelength of light and
the size of the opening as shown in fig.
If the opening is much larger than the light's wavelength (fig a), the
bending will be almost unnoticeable.
However, if the opening (slit width) and wavelength are closer in size
or equal (fig b), the amount of bending is considerable.
When the opening is very small, the waves spread over the entire
surface behind the opening.
 TYPES OF DIFFRACTION
Types of
Diffraction
Fresnel Frahunhofer
 The source or the screen or both are  The source and the screen or the
at finite distances from the obstacle telescope is placed at infinite
(or aperture). distance from the obstacle.

 In this case, no lenses are used to  Lenses are used to make the rays
make the rays parallel or convergent. converge.
 The incident wavefront on the
 The incident wavefronts are either aperture or obstacle and the
spherical or cylindrical. telescope is plane.
 FRAUNHOFER DIFFRACTION AT A SINGLE SLIT
The maxima occurs at f . To explain the formation of the first minima
at p1 in the direction 1, the slit is imagined to be divided into
two equal parts AC and BC. The p.d. betwn r1 and r2 at an angle
1 is
Sin 1 = CD/AC or CD = AC sin 1 or CD = (a/2) sin 1 ----(1)
‘a’ is the width of the slit
If the p.d. CD is equal to /2 there will be destructive interference
From (1) (a/2) sin 1 = /2 ----(2) or asin 1 =  ----(3) condn for
first
minima
 FRAUNHOFER DIFFRACTION AT A SINGLE SLIT
To obtain second minima at 2, divide slit into four parts
From (2) (a/4) sin 2 = /2 or asin 2 = 2  ---(4) second minima
The general form for minima in single slit is
asin  = n  ------(5) where n = 1, 2, 3…..

The central maxima is at ‘f’ but there are secondary maxima which lie
betwn the minima
The condition for secondary and other maxima is
asin = (2m+1) /2 where m =  1,  2,….
 FRAUNHOFER DIFFRACTION AT A SINGLE SLIT
Expression for width of Central maxima
The first minima is either side of the central maxima and is given
by
sin1 = /a ---------(1) ( asin  = n )
1 is usually very small and sin1 = 1
therefore 1 = /a --------(2)

From the fig tan 1 = x/f for small 1  tan 1  1

 x = f 1 = f  / a

 the width of central maxima is

2x =2f  / a
 SINGLE SLIT DIFFRACTION (numericals)
1. In a single slit diffraction pattern the distance between first
minima on either side of the central maximum is 4.4 mm as
observed on a screen at a distance of 0.7 m. The wavelength of light
used is 5890 A U. Calculate the slit width.

Slit width a= f/x

= (0.7 x 5890 x 10-10)/ 4.4 x 10-3
= 0.09 mm
 SINGLE SLIT DIFFRACTION (numericals)
2. Parallel light (5000 ) is normally incident on a single slit. The
central maximum spreads out at 30 on both sides of the direction
of the incident light. Calculate the slit width. For what width of the
slit the Central Maxima would spread out to 60 degree from the
direction of the incident light?

In single slit, direction of minimum is given by

a sin  =  m

Angular spread of central maxima is given by

sin  = /a
a= /sin 
= 5 x 10-5/0.5= 1 x 10-4 cm

For 60 , a= /sin 60 = 5 x 10-5/0.866

a = 5773 Å
 SINGLE SLIT DIFFRACTION (numericals)
3. Calculate the angles at which the first dark band and the next
bright band are formed in the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of a slit
0.3 mm wide. ( = 5890 Å)

In single slit, direction of minimum is given by

a sin  =  m
For first dark band, m=1
sin  = /a = 5890 x 10-8/0.03= 0.00196
= sin -1 (0.00196) = 0.1122 rad = 6 7

The angle of diffraction  corresponding to first bright band on

either side of the central Maxima is given by
a sin  = 3/2
sin  = 3/2a=3/2 x 0.00196 = 0.00294
 = sin -1 (0.00294) = 0.1684 rad = 10 
 Plane diffraction grating (Multiple slit)
The resultant intensity is given by
I = Im (sin2  / 2 ) (sin2 N / sin2 ) -------------(1)
Where  = a sin/ and  = (a+b) sin/

Condition for maxima:

(a+b) sin=  n where n= 1, 2….
This is also called grating equation
Where ‘a’- is the width of each slit and ‘b’- is the width of each
opaque

Condition for Minima:

N(a+b) sin=  m where m = 1,2,3…..
 Application of Diffraction
Determination of wavelength of different colors present in a spectrum

Grating Equation: (a+b) sin=  n

A plane transmission grating has 4000 lines per cm and is
illuminated normally by a beam of parallel rays of monochromatic
light of wavelength 600 nm. Calculate
(a)Grating element (b) the angle at which the first order maxima is
formed and
(c) The highest order that can be observed.

Solution:
(a) Grating element a+b = 1/N= 1/4000 = 0.25 x 10-3 cm

(b) (a+b) Sin  = n

sin1=  /(a+b) = 0.24

1 = 13.89 

(c) nmax = (a+b)/  = 4 ( = 90 )

A beam of parallel rays of green light of wavelength 5200 A U
incident normally on a plane transmission grating of 4000
lines per cm. Calculate the angular separation between the
second and third order spectral lines.
Solution:
Grating element (a+b) = 1/N= 1/4000 = 0.25 x 10-3 cm
(a+b) Sin 2 = 2
• 2= Sin -1 (2 /(a+b)) = 0.416 rad
• 2 = 24.58

(a+b) Sin 3 = 3
• 3= Sin -1 (3 /(a+b)) = 0.624 rad
• 3 = 38.61
• 3 - 2 = 14.03 
A diffraction grating at normal incidence gives a yellow line of
wavelength 6000 A U in a certain order superimposed on a
blue line of wavelength 4800 A U of next higher order. If the
angle of diffraction is sin-1 (2/3), obtain the order of
spectrum for wavelength 4800 A U , the value of grating
element and the number of lines per cm.
Solution: 1 = 6000 A U 2 = 4800A U
(a+b) Sin  = n1
2/3 (a+b) = n1 ------------ (1)
2/3 (a+b) = (n+1)2 -------(2)
n 1 = (n+1) 2
n=4
 Hence the order of 2 is 5 (for 2 = n+1)
 (a+b)= (3/2) x 4 x 6 x 10-5 = 36 x 10-5 cm
 No of lines per cm N = 1/(a+b)= 2778 lines per cm