Thin film interference formulae

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on understanding thin film interference, specifically the conditions for destructive interference. The user is trying to derive the thickness formula for a thin film in air, initially arriving at t=(λ(m+1))/(2n) instead of the expected t=(mλ)/(2n). The confusion arises from the phase shift of π, which is accounted for in the calculations. Other participants clarify that both formulations are essentially equivalent, as adjusting the integer parameter m can reconcile the differences. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding phase shifts in thin film interference calculations.
khaos89
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Hello, I am trying to understand thin film (in air) interference but I have a problem:

I know we have destructive interference when \delta=(2m+1)\pi.

Now i can try to calculate the thickness of the film to get it, so

since \delta =\frac{4nt\pi}{\lambda} - \pi where t is the thickness,

I come to \delta=(2m+1)\pi=\frac{4nt\pi}{\lambda} - \pi

that leads me to t=\frac{\lambda(m+1)}{2n} instead of
t=\frac{m\lambda}{2n}

(n is the refractive index and m is the integer parameter)

Where am I wrong?
 
Science news on Phys.org
Why do you think you're wrong?
 
Thank you for your answer, I think I am wrong because my book's solution is t=\frac{m\lambda}{2n}
 
khaos89 said:
Thank you for your answer, I think I am wrong because my book's solution is t=\frac{m\lambda}{2n}
The answers are essentially equivalent. (You can always start with m = -1 in your version.)
 
Thread 'Simple math model for a Particle Image Velocimetry system'
Hello togehter, I am new to this forum and hope this post followed all the guidelines here (I tried to summarized my issue as clean as possible, two pictures are attached). I would appreciate every help: I am doing research on a Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system. For this I want to set a simple math model for the system. I hope you can help me out. Regarding this I have 2 main Questions. 1. I am trying to find a math model which is describing what is happening in a simple Particle...
Thread 'How to model converging illumination through object plane (in ZEMAX)'
Hello community, I'm designing a projection lens system for a 35mm film projector in Zemax OpticStudio and struggling with the correct sequential mode setup for the illumination geometry. The light source is a Xenon short-arc lamp reflected by an ellipsoid mirror, which creates a converging cone with a 40.6 degree full angle that passes through the film gate. The film gate is my object plane, but the light doesn't diverge from it like a typical Lambertian source. Instead, the converging...
Back
Top