Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 24 - The Wave Nature of Light - General Problems - Page 711: 81

Answer

a) $\approx 82\;\rm nm$ b) $\approx 130\;\rm nm$

Work Step by Step

As we see in the figure below, the two reflected rays experience a $\pi$ phase change due to reflection from a medium with a greater index of refraction. For destructive interference from the film when the two rays are reflected in phase, the path length difference is given by $$2t=\left(m+\frac{1}{2}\right)\lambda_{n }$$ $$2t=\dfrac{\left(m+\frac{1}{2}\right)\lambda }{n_{film}}$$ And hence the thickness of the film is given by $$ t=\dfrac{\left(m+\frac{1}{2}\right)\lambda }{2n_{film}}$$ And for the minimum thickness, $m=0$ $$ t=\dfrac{\left(0+\frac{1}{2}\right)\lambda }{2n_{film}}$$ $$ t=\dfrac{ \lambda }{4n_{film}}$$ a) For the blue light $$ t=\dfrac{ \lambda }{4n_{film}}=\dfrac{450}{4\cdot 1.38}=\color{red}{\bf 81.52}\;\rm nm$$ b) For the red light $$ t=\dfrac{ \lambda }{4n_{film}}=\dfrac{720}{4\cdot 1.38}=\color{red}{\bf 130.4}\;\rm nm$$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.