Colours of thin films: A thin film observed in white light different colours are observed.

This is due to
interference of rays reflected from the top and bottom of the thin film. The condition for forming
brightness on the film is 2tcos r /2 =2n/2 . If a particular wavelength (say blue) satisfy the equation,
2tcos r /2 =2n/2 , the film will appear bright (blue).If a particular wavelength (say red) satisfy the
equation, 2tcos r /2 =(2n+1)/2, the condition for darkness, the red colour will be absent on the film.
So the film will be observed with different colours depending on the thickness and angle of refraction.
If the film is extremely thin (t=0), then path difference is equal to /2,(odd multiple of /2) condition for
dark, and the film appears dark. A thick film appears white itself when observed in white light, since all
colours produce constructive interference to form white light.
Interference in wedge shaped films: A film of varying thickness is called a wedge film.

Two plane glass plates AB & AC are placed such that they are in contact with each other at one end and
separated by a small distance at the other end as shown in figure. Then a wedge shaped air film is
formed between the glass plates. A part of the light is reflected from the top surface and other from the
bottom surface of the film. Since two rays they interfere. The thickness of the air is same along the line
parallel to the line of contact of the glass plates. So we observe straight interference bands parallel to
the line of contact. The angle between the glass plates is called angle of wedge ( in radians).
Since the film is of air, the path difference= 2tcos r + /2. If this path difference is = 2n /2 , the
line containing the same thickness will appear as bright line. And If this path difference is = (2n+1) /2 ,
the line containing the same thickness will appear as dark line. So we can observe alternate dark and
bright lines on the glass plate.
2tcos r + /2 = 2n /2 --------------Bright, 2tcos r + /2 = (2n+1) /2 ----------Dark

1 2 21 21
tan = = = Since angle of the wedge is small tan = =
1 2 21 21

l2 and l1 are the distance of the two dark lines from the line of contact ,
then l2-l1 = the band width
21
= ..(1)

The condition for nth dark band at ED is 2tcos r + /2 = (2n+1) /2
2tcos r =n Also cos r = cos 0 = 1 (when viewed normally)
2t1 =n and 2t2 = (n+1)
2t2 - 2t1 = (n+1) - n =
21
t2 - t1 = /2 Substituting in (1) = =
2
= 2
To find the diameter of a thin wire using wedge: Let a thin wire of diameter d is placed between two
glass plates at a distance l from the line of contact of two glass plates A & B.

From figure = we know =
2
l
So = therefore, d = since the film is of air, = 1, hence diameter of wire, d =
2 2

Newtons rings arrangement: It consists of a plane convex lens of large radius of curvature placed on
a optically plane glass plate. A thin film of air of varying thickness is enclosed between the lens and glass
plate. The thickness of the air film is zero at the point of contact of lens and glass plate and gradually
increases to the edge of the lens.
A beam of monochromatic light is incident normally on the lens. A part of light is reflected from the top
surface of the air film and another part from the top surface of the glass plate. These two interfere and
produce dark and bright regions. If the point appears dark, all the points along the circle through this
point are dark. Since the thickness of the film is same along the circle, we get a dark ring. If the point is
such that the thickness satisfies for bright, we get bright ring. Thus alternate dark and bright rings are
observed, which are called Newtons rings.

Theory: A convex lens of radius of curvature R is placed on a glass plate. A beam of monochromatic light
AB of wavelength , is incident normally on the lens. We get concentric bright and dark rings with center
dark. (at the center the thickness of film is zero, hence dark)
To find the radius of nth dark ring: Let
C be the center of curvature of the lens, and R the radius of curvature. Let nth dark ring from O be
formed at B where the thickness of the film is t. let rn be the radius of the ring BH= rn
For dark ring, 2tcos r + /2 = (2n+1) /2 , 2tcos r =n Also cos r = cos 0 = 1 (when viewed normally)
2t= n (1)
From the triangle CHB, CB2= CH2+BH2 R2= (R-t)2+ rn2 = R2-2Rt+t2 + rn2 , (neglecting t2) we get,
rn2 = 2Rt or 2t = rn2/R
But 2t= n , that is rn2/R = n

rn2 = therefore rn = { } if = 1, rn = ( )

Interference filter: It is an optical system which transmits monochromatic light with a narrow range of
wavelength. A thin film is deposited on the glass plate. A thin layer of magnesium fluoride is deposited
over this. This is covered by another film of silver and with another glass plate.
When a beam of light is incident normally on the filter, multiple reflections takes place within the film
and then we get transmitted light. The interference maximum is governed by the path difference n .
Then 2t= n where is the ref index of dielectric and t the thickness.
When t is reduced the transmitted wave length are widely spaced.
For an optical thickness

Anti reflection film: In order to minimize the loss of intensity of transmitted light, an anti reflection film is
used. Here the surface of the material is coated with a transparent dielectric film of thickness /4,
where is the ref index of the film coated whose value is in between the ref indices of glass and air. The
process is called blooming