Wave Optics – Thin Films
A thin film 4.0X10-5cm thick interfaces with air
(n=1) on each its front and back surfaces and is illuminated by
white light normal to its front surface. Its index of refraction is
1.5. What wavelengths within the visible spectrum will be
intensified in the reflected beam? (visible light is taken to be
wavelengths between 390 to 700 nm) Follow the solution
outline below:
- Sketch the situation and label the index of refraction on each
side of each interface (you will be graded on this)
- Given the phase of the incoming wave and knowing that the
transmitted wave does not experience a phase change, what is the
phase change of the reflected wave at each interface of the thin
film?
- First interface: (identify) change, same
- Second interface: (identify) change, same
- How many phase changes total: (identify) 0 or 2, 1
- Greater intensity of the reflected beam corresponds to which
type of interference?
- Choose the thin film equation for the type of interference and
number of phase changes of this situation and solve for the
wavelength (s) in the visible range. (may need to evaluate multiple
m’s)