Physics for Computing Science Notes UNIT-II: Wave Optics (Part-1 Interference and Diffraction) Syllabus: Wave Optics: Interference-principle of superposition-young’s experiment, Temporal and Spatial Coherence, Theory of interference fringes-types of interference-Fresnel’s prism-Newton’s rings, Difiimction- Two kinds of diffraction-Difference between interference and diffraction-Fresnel’s half period zone and zone plate-Fraunhofer diffiaction at single slit-plane diffraction grating Polarization of Light: Polarization, Concept of production of polarized beam of light from two SHM acting at right angle; plane, elliptical and circularly polarized light, Brewster’s law, double refraction 1. What is superposition principle? What are its consequences? Give some examples. Superposition principle: This principle states that the resultant displacement of a particle of the medium acted upon by two or more waves simultaneously is the algebraic sum of the displacements of the same particle due to individual waves, in absence of others. Suppose y; is the displacement of the particle at a certain point at any instant is due to first wave in absence of second wave. And y; is the displacement of the particle at the same point at any instant is due to second wave in absence of the first wave. If two waves propagate in the same direction then the resultant displacement of the particle due to two waves acting together at that point is y= yi + ys If two waves propagate in opposite direction then the resultant displacement of the particle due to two waves acting together at that point is y= ya ys Examp! 1. Formation of stationary waves in a stretched string, 2. Formation of Beats. 3. Interference of light, Applications: Superposition principle used in 1. Tuning of musical instruments and recording the musical album. 2. Network analysis by superposition of electric signals, 3. Rolling motion is the superposition of two motions: translation without rotation, and rotation without translation. Quantum computing for defining qubits 5. Interferometry for wave analysis like ultrasonic interferometer, Michelson interferometer, signals transmission and antenna systems etc. 6. Analysis of water waves and earth quakes etc. 7. ‘The superposition principle is applied inhydrogeology to the drawdown of two or more water wells pumping in an ideal aquifer. Consequences of superposition principl 1. Law of conservation of energy is well validated by the superposition principle. 2. Linearity of the wave equation is also the consequence of the superposition principle.Physics for Computing Science Notes 2. What is interference of light? Define constructive interference and destructive interference. Superposition of two coherent light waves at a point in space forms the resultant wave with the maximum ot minimum intensity than the two interacting waves. This phenomenon is called Interference of light. If the path difference between two coherent waves is integral multiple of their wavelength (or if two ‘waves are in phase), the resultant intensity becomes maximum and it forms bright fringe on the screen, Such interference is called constructive interference. (a) Constructive interference. (b) Destructive interference Fig. interference of two coherent light waves If the path difference between two coherent waves is half-integral multiple of their wavelength (or if two waves are in out phase), the resultant intensity becomes minimum and it forms dark fringe on the screen, Such interference is called destructive interference. 3. What is coherence of light? What are different types of coherence? Propagation of the wave produced by a light source with constant phase difference between two points maintaining fixed amplitude and fixed frequency is called Coherence of that light source. The coherence of the light source is of two types: 1) Temporal coherence 2). Spatial coherence. 1) Temporal cohe: Temporal coherence is @ measure of the correlation between the phases of a light wave at different points along the direction of propagation. If the phase difference of the wave crossing the two points lying along the direction of propagation is independent of time, then the wave is said to be temporal coherence. Temporal coherence is also known as longitudinal coherence. Temporal coherence tells us how monochromatic @ source is. In other words, if light source is temporal coherence then it maintains constant wavelength infinitely. Let us consider a wave propagating in x- direction,Physics for Computing Science Notes If O(A) is phase of point A and ©(B) is phase of point B at time t;, then phase difference between these point is given by A®= @(A) — O(B). If &(A) is phase of point A and ©'(B) is phase of point B at time t, then phase difference between these point is given by A®!—@'(A) — 0B), ‘Then A@ = AO'=> @(A)—O(B) ‘Thus the wave has temporal coherence, @(A)- 0B) — Spatial coherence is a measure of the conelation between the phases of a light wave at different points, transverse to the direction of propagation. If the phase difference of the wave crossing the two points lying on a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation is independent of time, then the ‘wave is said to be spatial coherence. Spatial coherence tells us how directional a source is. In other words, if light source is spatial coherence then it maintains constant amplitude infinitely. Let us consider vibration of a wave in y- direction. If O(A) is phase of point A and ©(B) is phase of point B at time t,, then phase difference between these point is given by A® = (A) - ©). If ®A) is phase of point A and @'(B) is phase of point B at time ts, then phase difference between these point is given by Ab’= (A) - 0B). Then A® = A® => @(A) — 0(B)= (A) - OB) ‘Thus the wave has spatial coherence Coherence time and Coherence length: The time interval over which the phase of a wave remains constant is called the coherence time (At). The distance travelled by the light wave during coherent time is called coherence length (AL). For a perfectly monochromatic wave, the coherence time and coherence length are infinity. For light waves, AL = C At. In case of laser sources, the coherence length is about 30-10 Km, whereas coherence time is several micro seconds 4. What are coherent sources? Propagation of the wave produced by a light source with constant phase difference between two points maintaining fixed amplitude and fixed frequency is called Coherence of that light source. Two light sources must be coherent for interference of light. In other words, the coherent sources should satisfy following conditions: 1. Two waves should have constant phase difference. Two waves should have same amplitude Two waves should have same frequency,1g Science Notes 5. Why two independent light sources never be acted as coherent sources? (OR) Why are two independent sources incoherent? Two independent light sources can have the variable life time of the atoms with their unequal transition rate between ground state and excited state. Thus they emit the waves of different phase change, different amplitude and different wavelength at any point in the medium. Hence two independent light sources can never be acted as coherent sources. 6. What are the methods fo obtain coherent light sources? Give examples. ‘There are two methods to produce coherent light waves (sources). 1) Division of wavefront method (Wavefront splitting) 2) Division of amplitude method (Amplitude splitting) 1) Division of wavefront method: This method uses slits, lenses, prisms and mirrors for dividing a single wavefront into two coherent \waveftonts by reflection, refraction or difftaction. This method is useful with small sources. Examples: 1. Young's double slit experiment 2. Lloyd’s mirror 3, Fresnel’s bi-prism 2) Division of amplitude method: The method, which is used to produce two coherent sources from a common source, is called division of amplitude that maintains the same width but reduced amplitude passing through glass plates, lenses or films by reflection or [Link] method is useful with extended (large) sources. Examples: 1. Interference at thin films 2. Newton rings experiment 3. Michelson interferometer 7. Explain Young's double slit experiment? Derive expression for fringe separation in the interference pattern in Young’s double slit experiment, (ey bern ges Fig.1 Young’s double slit experiment ‘The phenomenon of interference of light was first experimentally demonstrated by Thomas Young in the year 1801. A schematic of the experiment is shown in Fig.1. The light is made to pass through a slit S. Two closely spaced slits $; and S> are placed on the way. The interference pattem is observed on the screen by superposition of spherical waves. The interference pattem is the number of alternate bright and dark fringes on the sereen, In this experiment, two coherent sources are obtained by division of waveftont method.1g Science Notes If the path difference between two coherent waves is integral multiple of their wavelength (or if two waves are in phase), the resultant intensity becomes maximum and it forms bright fringe on the screen, Such interference is called constructive interference. If the path difference between two coherent waves is balf-integral multiple of their wavelength (or if thwo waves are in out phase), the resultant intensity becomes minimum and it forms dark fringe on the screen, Such interference is called destructive interference, ” Fig. 2 Determination of fringe separation in YDSE. Let S be a narrow slit illuminated by a monochromatic source, and S; and S> are similar parallel slits ‘very close together and equidistant from S. In view of the Fig 1, the path difference between two coherent waves generated by S; and So slits is Path difference 8 = S.P - SP 8=S:b+bP_siP 5=Sb+S,P-SP 8= Sb From 4 S;S2b, we can write that == 5 sy= Sing = SS = Sb =$)S) Sind Syb=d Sind Q Substituting (2) in (1), ‘The path difference 5 = Sin6 — @ ‘For maximum intensity, the path difference 6 dsino=n. @ For minimum intensity, the path difference 5 = (nt 2 Sind = (t+ % )k-——-——- (5) From A aOP, we can write thatPhysics for Computing Science Notes Prepared by Dr. L. Srinivasa Rao | VNRVJ) Substituting (6) in (4) Ye a =n) mp Ya —() mg Equation (7) shows the distance between central bright fringe (central maxima) to the n'* bright fringe (a® order maxima) Similarly, the distance between central bright fringe (central maxima) to the (n+1)" bright fringe ((a+1)® order maxima) yea =D? __@) Therefore, the fringe separation between two successive bright fringes is given by AY = Yart-Ya ntaaD nad This is ftinge separation between two successive bright fiinges. This is also equal to the fringe separation between two successive dark fringes. 8. Explain Newton rings experiment to determine wavelength of a monochromatic source. ‘Newton’s rings experiment is tised to determine wavelength (A) of a monochromatic source for known value of Radius of curvature (R) of a plano-convex lens or vice-versa, Experimental set-up: Travelling Microscope s Sodium lamp rt 45° yl aw Gs pte» : ae £1 | Plano-Convex lens» Plane Glass plate Newton's Rings Fig. 1 Experimental set-up HydPhysics for Computing Science Notes Prepared by Dr. L. Srinivasa Rao | VNRVJIE ‘When a plano-convex lens (L) with its convex surface is placed on a plane glass plate (P), an air film of gradually increasing thickness outward is formed between the lens and the glass plate. The thickness of film at the point of contact is zero. If the monochromatic light (Sodium lamp) is allowed to fall normally on the lens by focusing on another glass plate (G) held at angle 45°. Now, the air film is viewed through microscope in reflected light, alternate bright and dark concentric rings are seen around the point of contact. These rings were first discovered by Newton, that’s why they are called Newton's Rings. Working Principle: th Fig. 2 working principle of Newton rings Newton's rings formed due to interference between the light waves reflected from the top and bottom surfaces of the curved air film formed between the plano-convex lens (L) and glass plate (P). Interference occurs between the two waves Which interfere constructively if the path difference between them is (n+ JA. and destructively if path difference between them is, nd, producing altemate bright and dark rings. Derivation of Wavelength (. Let us consider a plano-convex lens LOL’ of radius of curvature R and it is placed on a glass plate AB. Consider an n" dark ring of radius r,, at thickness t of the air film at point P and Q. From the Cirele geometry, we can write ON x ND=NQx NP 2 (QR) =x te (R>>t and we neglect t”) HydPhysics for Computing Science Notes Prepared by Dr. L. Srinivasa Rao | VNRVJ) ° > ~(1) But, the condition for dark circle by destructive interference by reflection is given by 2pteosr = nh Q) For air film, w= 1 For normal incidence of light, the angle of refiaction r= 0° and cosr = cos 0° (2) becomes, 2t=nh —- (3) Equating (1) and (2), > (where Dy is diameter of the n“ ring) - (4) Similarly, Di, = (5) (where Dy is diameter of the m sing) Now, calculating (5) - (4) D3, — Dz =4maR — 4naR Dj, — Dz =4a4R (m—n) = Pin=D A Sey 7 O Equation (6) shows the expression for wavelength of a monochromatic source. Where, R= The Radius of curvature of plano-convex lens: D,, and D, = Diameter of m® and n™ rings. * A n=n) @ Equation (7) shows the expression for Radius of curvature of plano-convex lens, Graph: Relation between order of the rings and the square of the diameter of the rings is a straight line passing through the origin D Fig.3 Square of diameter verses order of the ring ‘The wavelength of the source from graph is given b = slope 1.= Se (8) Hyd1g Science Notes 9. What are the characteristics of Newton’s rings? Characteristics of Newton’s tings: 10. 1. Newton’s rings are concentric dark and bright rings alternately formed by interference phenomena of light. The sings are finite. Central spot is dark by reflection of light. Central spot is bright by transmission of light. The area between any two successive rings remains constant. Fringe separation between the two successive rings deceases as their order increases. Relation between order of the dark rings and the square of the diameter of the rings is a straight line passing through the origin ‘When white light is used. The interference pattem will be an overlapping of rings of different colors over each other. ‘Newton's rings experiment is also a consequence of law of conversation of energy. ASPALR 8 9. What are the applications of Newton’s rings experiment? Applications of Newton’s rings i. 1. To determine radius of curvature of Plano-convex lens. 2. To detemmine wavelength of monochromatic light. 3. To detenmine reffactive index ofa thin film formed by various oils, chemicals, liquids ete. 4. To determine elastic properties of the glass plates. 5. To dotermine thickness of thin film (metal wire). Define diffraction of light. What is condition for diffraction? Give examples. ‘Bending of light at sharp edges of the obstacles is called difffaction. As a result the waveftonts can be splitting into tiny parts, known as wavelets, The superposition of secondary wavelets forms, the pattern of dark and bright altemative fringes. Such pattern is called diffraction pattem. The diffraction supports the wave nature of the light. ‘The essential condition: The wavelength of incident light must be comparable with size the obstacle (ie. 2=b). Examples: 1. Airy disc around the sun, the moon, the stars etc. 2. Diffraction at grooves of a CD, DVD etc. 3. Diffraction at bar code, QR code, etc. 4. Diffiaction at single slit, double slit, pin hole and N-slits. 12, Distinguish diffraction and interference. [Link]. | Interference Diffraction 1 ‘Superposition takes place between two | Superposition takes place between secondary separate wave fronts originating from the two | wavelets originating from different points of the coherent sources. exposed parts of the same wavefront. 2 In the interference pattem the regions of | In the diffraction pattem the regions of minimum minimum intensity are usually almost | intensity are usually not perfectly dark. perfectly dark. 3____| The fhinge widihis may ormay not be equal. | The fringe widths are never equal. 4 All maxima are of same intensity. ‘All maxima are of varying intensity. 5 Condition for interference is that the two | Condition for diffraction is that size of the object waves must be coherent. aust be comparable with wavelength of source. 6 Examples: Newton rings experiment, YDSE, | Examples: Diffraction at single slit, double slit, Thin film interference etc. circular aperture 7 ‘Applications: Used to find wavelength of | Applications: Used to find wavelength of source. source, radius of curvature, reffactive index | slit width, telescope, microscope, WDM, of glasses, thin films in rhine stones, camera | biometry. ete. lenses ete.