Fringe Separation with a sheet of Glass

In summary, when a sheet of glass is placed in front of the bottom slit in a Double Slit Experiment with monochromatic red light, the fringe separation remains unchanged but the fringe pattern shifts down. This is due to the change in phase between the two slit sources reaching the screen. No refraction occurs because the glass sheet is assumed to be planar.
  • #1
BreadTomato
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Homework Statement


State a change to the separation of the fringe when a sheet of glass is placed in front of the bottom slit (this is a Double Slit Experiment). The light being passed is monochromatic red light.

Homework Equations


x = (landa)D / a

The Attempt at a Solution


After looking through the solution given to me, it appears that there will be no change to slit separation except that the fringe pattern shifts down, however I am unsure as to why no refraction occurs considering that light can refract, and wouldn't that change the fringe pattern depending on how the light diffracts out of the block?

Thank you very much!
 
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  • #2
The given solution looks fine.
Why do you say this: "I am unsure as to why no refraction occurs considering that light can refract"?
Does the solution say that no refraction occurs?
 
  • #3
The sheet of glass is assumed planar so no refraction occurs, just a change in phase between the two slit sources going to the screen.
 

FAQ: Fringe Separation with a sheet of Glass

What is fringe separation?

Fringe separation is a measurement of the distance between two adjacent fringes, or bright and dark bands, created by the interference of light waves passing through a sheet of glass.

How is fringe separation measured?

Fringe separation can be measured by using a ruler or caliper to measure the distance between two adjacent fringes on the glass sheet. This measurement is usually in units of nanometers (nm).

What factors affect fringe separation?

The thickness of the glass sheet, the wavelength of the light passing through it, and the angle at which the light hits the sheet can all affect the fringe separation. Additionally, any imperfections in the glass or variations in the thickness can also impact the separation.

What is the significance of fringe separation in scientific research?

Fringe separation is important in various fields of science, such as optics, materials science, and nanotechnology. It can provide valuable information about the properties of materials, such as their refractive index, thickness, and surface roughness.

How can fringe separation be controlled or manipulated?

Fringe separation can be controlled by changing the angle of the light hitting the glass sheet, using different wavelengths of light, or using glass sheets of varying thicknesses. It can also be manipulated by using specialized tools, such as interferometers, to precisely measure and adjust the fringes.

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