UNIT I INTERFERENCE:

Q.1 Determine the wavelength (λ) of a monochromatic light using Fresnel’s biprism experiment.

Fresnel’s bi-prism: It is a device to produce interference pattern by division of wave front. The upper portion and
lower portion of device act as a prism therefore it is called bi-prism. Since its interference is due to division of wave
front therefore, the relation ω =Dλ/2d is applicable to find the wavelength.

λ = (ω.2d) / D

Here the parameters ω (fringe width), D (distance between source and screen) and 2d (distance between two
virtual light sources) are to be determined experimentally. In figure, the mounted source, bi-prism and eyepiece
are shown.

✓ Determination of fringe width (ω): The cross-wire of eye piece is set accurately at any of the nth dark
fringe and then the corresponding screw gauge reading is noted (initial reading).Now moving on laterally
at arbitrary no. of dark fringes (say 10) on either side of the nth dark fringe, again the corresponding
screw gauge reading is noted (final reading).

Thus the fringe width (ω) = (final reading ~ initial reading)/10

✓ Determination of D distance between source and screen (position of eye-piece): It is determined directly
on optical bench.
✓ Determination of 2d distance between two virtual light sources (i.e. S1 and S2)]: There are two methods
to find the 2d.

1. Deviation method: It uses the property of a prism [δ = (µ-1)α].

 𝒅 𝒅
From above figure: 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜹 = 𝒂 𝒐𝒓 𝜹 = 𝒂

Now substituting the value of δ in prism relation δ = (µ-1) α we get

𝒅
= (𝝁 − 𝟏)𝜶
𝒂

𝒅 = 𝒂(𝝁 − 𝟏)𝜶

𝟐𝒅 = 𝟐𝒂(𝝁 − 𝟏)𝜶

or 𝝅
𝟐𝒅 = 𝟐𝒂(𝝁 − 𝟏)𝜶 . 𝒄𝒎
𝟏𝟖𝟎

When µ =1.5 , α =1/20 then 𝟐𝒅 = (𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟖𝟕)𝒂 𝑐𝑚 (For numerical point of view)

This is expression to find the 2d by deviation method.

2. Displacement method: This method utilizes the property of a convex lens.

[This method is based upon the fact that real and same size images are obtained when the distance between object (2d) and its
image is 4f, thus if two small and large images are to be obtained then the distance must be taken greater than 4f. Here we take
D˃4f thus just displacing the lens (as shown above position L1 and L2’) the large (d1 image) and small image (d2) can be
obtained. ]

Since the L1 and L2’ positions are conjugate therefore,

[Conjugate means once in position L1 the object is small and its corresponding image is large but converse is obtained in position
L2’ , the image is small and object is large, therefore in L2’ position the image serves the purpose of a object and object (2d) as
its corresponding image. Thus position of L1and L2’ is conjugate]

Applying magnification relation for L1 position,

2𝑑 𝑑1 𝒖 𝟐𝒅
= 𝒐𝒓 = … … … . [𝟏]
𝑢 𝑣 𝒗 𝒅𝟏

Applying magnification relation for L2’ position,

𝑑2 2𝑑 𝒖 𝒅𝟐
= 𝒐𝒓 = … … … . [𝟐]
𝑢 𝑣 𝒗 𝟐𝒅

Therefore, from [1] / [2]

𝒖 𝒗 𝟐𝒅 𝟐𝒅
× = ×
𝒗 𝒖 𝒅𝟏 𝒅𝟐

(𝟐𝒅)𝟐 = 𝒅𝟏 𝒅𝟐

𝟐𝒅 = √ 𝒅𝟏 𝒅𝟐

To find d1 experimentally, the screw gauge is positioned at S1 and S2 respectively then the
corresponding screw gauge reading is noted. The difference of these gives us the d1. Similarly, the d2 is
obtained. Substituting d1 and d2 in above formula enable us to find the 2d.
Q2. Derive the condition of bright and dark fringe in wedge shaped film.

1 2
K
E
S i i
i r r+θ

P
r N
r+θ r+θ refractive index µ
θ Angle of wedge
F M
θ
r+θ
R
L

[Thing to remember: According to Stoke’s treatment, when a ray reflects from a denser medium then the reflected ray suffers a phase
2𝜋 2𝜋 𝜆
difference (∆φ) of π with incident ray or a path difference (∆x) of λ/2 with incident ray [since ∆𝜑 = ∆𝑥 therefore, 𝜋 = ∆𝑥 or ∆𝑥 = ].
𝜆 𝜆 2
Here, incident ray S reflects from a denser medium (point P) (reflected ray is ray 1). Thus ray1 has phase difference of π with incident ray S.
similarly, since the ray 2 reflects from a rarer medium (air) (point F) therefore it doesn’t suffers any phase difference with incident ray PF.
Therefore, ray 2 emerged from point E, is in same phase as the phase of incident ray from S.

Consequently, we can say that ray 1 and ray 2 has phase difference of π or path difference of λ/2( this path difference is associated with
ray1)]

A light ray incident from source S, reflects from upper surface (point P) and lower internal surface (point
F).The light from F emerges from E, thus 1 and 2 light rays interfere(other rays reflected rays from inner
surface don’t have much intensity to get interfere).

𝑃𝐾
sin 𝑖 𝑃𝐾
𝜇= = 𝑃𝐸 =
sin 𝑟 𝑃𝑁 𝑃𝑁
𝑃𝐸

Or
𝑷𝑲 = 𝝁𝑷𝑵 … … … … [1]

The path difference between 1 and 2 ray: [since the ray 1 travels an optical path µ(air) PK in air than the ray 2 (with respect to
upper surface). But the ray 2 travels an optical path µ (PF+FE) in medium of refractive index µ with respect to upper surface. Here, it is to
mention that according to Stoke’s treatment, a path difference of λ/2 is already associated with ray 1. Therefore, the net optical path of ray 1
become µ(air) PK + λ/2 . Thus, the net expression of path difference (∆x) between 1 and 2 interfering waves becomes:

∆x = (optical path travelled by ray 2 – optical path traveled by ray 1)]

 𝝀
𝚫𝒙 = 𝝁 (𝑷𝑭 + 𝑭𝑬) − [𝜇𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑷𝑲 + ]
𝟐
𝜆
Δ𝑥 = 𝜇 (𝑃𝐹 + 𝐹𝐸) − [𝑃𝐾 + ]
2
𝝀
Δ𝑥 = 𝜇 [(𝑃𝑁 + 𝑁𝐹) + 𝐹𝐸] − 𝜇𝑃𝑁 − 𝟐 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑓𝑖𝑔. 𝑃𝐹 = 𝑃𝑁 + 𝑃𝐹 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃𝐾 = 𝜇𝑃𝑁 (𝑒𝑞. 1)

𝝀
Δ𝑥 = 𝜇𝑃𝑁 + 𝜇 (𝑁𝐹 + 𝐹𝐸) − 𝜇𝑃𝑁 − 𝟐 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑔𝑒𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝐹𝐸 = 𝐹𝐿

𝝀
Δ𝑥 = 𝜇 (𝑁𝐹 + 𝐹𝐿) −
𝟐
𝝀
Δ𝑥 = 𝜇 (𝑁𝐿) − … … … … … . . [2]
𝟐
𝑁𝐿
From right triangle ENL cos(r + θ) = 𝐸𝐿

Or 𝑁𝐿 = cos(r + θ) 𝐸𝐿

Or 𝑁𝐿 = 2𝑡 cos(r + θ) 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑓𝑖𝑔. 𝐸𝐿 = 𝐸𝑀 + 𝑀𝐿 = 2𝑡

Substituting value of NL into eq. [2]

𝝀
Δ𝑥 = 2𝜇𝑡 cos(r + θ) −
𝟐

This is the expression of path difference between ray1 and ray2. It depends upon the refractive index (µ)
of wedge medium, thickness of the film (t) as well as refractive angle (r) and angle of wedge (θ).

✓ If at thickness t, there is any bright fringe then applying the condition of a bright fringe

𝝀
Δ𝑥 = 2𝑛
𝟐
𝝀 𝝀
or Δ𝑥 = 2𝑛 𝟐 = 2𝜇𝑡 cos(r + θ) − 𝟐

𝝀
or 𝟐𝝁𝒕 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝐫 + 𝛉) = (𝟐𝒏 + 𝟏)
𝟐

This expression shows that the condition of bright fringe is that the term 2µt cos (r+θ) must be equal to
odd multiple of λ/2.

✓ If at thickness t, there is any dark fringe then applying the condition of a dark fringe

𝝀
Δ𝑥 = (2𝑛 + 1)
𝟐
 𝝀 𝝀
or Δ𝑥 = (2𝑛 + 1) = 2𝜇𝑡 cos(r + θ) −
𝟐 𝟐

𝝀
or 𝟐𝝁𝒕 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝐫 + 𝛉) = (𝟐𝒏) 𝑜𝑟 𝑛𝝀
𝟐

This expression shows that the condition of dark fringe is that the term 2µt cos (r+θ) must be equal to
even multiple of λ/2.

Learning outcome:
The Condition of Bright Fringe in Wedge Shaped Film:

𝝀
or 𝟐𝝁𝒕 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝐫 + 𝛉) = (𝟐𝒏 + 𝟏)
𝟐

This expression shows that the condition of bright fringe is that the term 2µt cos (r+θ) must be equal to
odd multiple of λ/2.

The Condition of Dark Fringe in Wedge Shaped Film

𝝀
or 𝟐𝝁𝒕 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝐫 + 𝛉) = (𝟐𝒏) 𝑜𝑟 𝑛𝝀
𝟐

This expression shows that the condition of dark fringe is that the term 2µt cos (r+θ) must be equal to
even multiple of λ/2.

Fringe Width (Ω) in Wedge Shaped Film:

Newton’s Ring Experiment:

Newton’s Ring: In Newton’s ring experiment the interference takes place in air wedge film (μ=1), using a
tilted glass plate the light is incident normally (thus r→0) on Plano convex lens and the lens is taken of large radius
of curvature (thus θ→0). Therefore, the condition of path difference (2μtcos(r+θ) –λ/2) between interfering waves
1 and 2 become ∆ = 2t - λ/2. Therefore

Condition of Dark ring:

∆ = 2t - λ/2 = (2n-1) λ/2

Or 2t = nλ …..[1]

Condition of Bright ring:

∆ = 2t - λ/2 =2n λ/2

Or 2t = (2n-1) λ/2 …..[2]

Diameter of Bright and Dark rings:

From fig 2, using property of chords (product of segment of two intersecting chords is equal to each other. Here,
AB and CD chords are intersecting at point N) Therefore:

𝑨𝑵 × 𝑵𝑩 = 𝑪𝑵 × 𝑵𝑫

rn × rn = (2R − t) × t

rn2 = 2Rt − t 2

t (thickness of wedge film) is very small as comaperdd to R (Rad. of curvature of lens). Therefore t 2 → 0

rn2 = 2Rt

r2 Dn (diameter) D2
t = n
since [rn (radius) = ] → [rn2 = n
]
2R 2 4

….. [3]
𝑫𝟐𝒏
𝒕 =
𝟖𝑹

Substituting it into eq. [1] and [2] will establish a relation between radius (rn) of n th ring and thickness t of the
wedge film at that point.

Condition of Bright ring:

λ
2t = (2n + 1)
2

Substituting the value of t from eq. [3]

D2n(bright) λ
2 = (2n + 1)
8R 2

D2n(bright) λ
= (2n + 1)
4R 2

λR
D2n(bright) = 4 (2n + 1)
2

𝑫𝟐𝒏(𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕) = 𝟐 (𝟐𝒏 + 𝟏) 𝝀𝑹

Or𝒐𝒓
or 𝑫𝒏(𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕) 𝜶 √(𝟐𝒏 + 𝟏)

It show
𝝀𝑹 that diameter of bright ring is proportional to square root of odd integer number.

𝑫𝟏(𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕) 𝜶 √𝟑 = 1.73
0.52 Decrement
𝑫𝟐(𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕) 𝜶 √𝟓 = 2.25
0.39
𝑫𝟑(𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕) 𝜶 √𝟕 = 2.64
 It shows that spacing between two successive bright rings decreases as we move away from the point of contact.
Or bright rings contracts.

Condition of Dark ring:

𝟐𝒕 = 𝒏 𝝀

Substituting the value of t from eq. [3]

2
𝐷𝑛(𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑘)
2 =𝑛 𝜆
8𝑅
2
𝐷𝑛
=𝑛 𝜆
4𝑅

𝑫𝟐𝒏(𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌) = 𝟒 𝒏 𝝀𝑹

𝝀𝑹
𝑫𝒏(𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌) 𝜶 √𝒏

𝝀𝑹
It show that diameter of bright ring is proportional to square root of an integer number.

𝑫𝟏(𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌) 𝜶 √𝟏 = 1
0.41 Decrement
𝑫𝟐(𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌) 𝜶 √𝟐 = 1.41
0.32
𝑫𝟑(𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌) 𝜶 √𝟑 = 1.73

q
It shows that spacing between two successive dark rings decreases as we move away from the point of contact. Or
dark rings contracts.

Q.3 Discuss the Applications of Newton’s ring experiment set-up (i.e. wavelength of a monochromatic light (λ) and
refractive index of a transparent liquid (µ).

(1) Determination of a monochromatic light (λ) -

When Newton’s ring experiment is performed in the air

Then for any nth dark ring Dn2 = 4nλR …….(1)

And for any n+pth dark ring Dn+p2 = 4(n + p)λR …….(2)

Then (2) – (1) gives us the relation

 (Dn+p2 - Dn2 ) (air) = 4pλR

(2) Determination of refractive index (µ) of a transparent liquid –

Once the experiment is performed in air wedge film then we have

(Dn+p2 - Dn2 ) (air) = 4pλR

And again the experiment is performed by introducing the transparent liquid between the wedge shaped
film (between the lens and plane glass plate). Again the diameter of nth dark (say D’n2) and n+pth dark ring
(say D’n+p2) is determined. Then

Then for any nth dark ring D’n2 = 4nλR/µ …….(3)

And for any n+pth dark ring D’n+p2 = 4(n + p)λR/µ …..(4)

Then (4) – (3) gives us the relation

(D’n+p2 – D’n2 ) (liquid) = 4pλR/µ

From above two expressions in box we have

µ = (Dn+p2 - Dn2 ) (air) / (D’n+p2 – D’n2 ) (liquid)

Thus by determining the value (Dn+p2 - Dn2) in air and in liquid wedge film, we can determine the refractive
index.