Coherent Sources: Coherent sources of light are two sources of light which emit light waves of the same wavelength and frequency which are always in phase with each other or have a constant phase difference. To observe the interference phenomenon of light, sources must be coherent. Two independent sources are not coherent because they may emit light of same wavelength and amplitude, but they are not in same phase or they may not have a constant phase difference. Methods of producing coherent sources: • By division of wavefront • By division of amplitude S.A.Q(1) What are coherent sources of light? Can two different bulbs, similar in all respects, acts as coherent sources? [NEB 2074,2069,2057] Interference of Light: The phenomenon of non uniform distribution of light energy due to superposition of light waves from coherent sources is known as interference of light. Types of Interference 1. Constructive Interference: If two waves having same frequency or wavelength and in same phase superimpose then the amplitude of resultant wave is equal to the sum of amplitude of two waves. This is called constructive interference. In constructive interference, crest of one wave falls on the crest of other wave or trough of one wave falls on trough of other wave consequently the resultant amplitude is sum of amplitude of two waves. i.e a=a1+a2 In case of constructive interference, amplitude of wave is maximum, intensity of wave is maximum and bright fringes are produced.
2.Destructive Interference: the interference, which is due to superposing of two waves in such a way that crest meets trough and trough meets crest, is called destructive interference. In case of destructive interference, amplitude of wave is minimum, intensity of wave is minimum and dark fringes are produced. Analytical treatment of interference: Condition for constructive and destructive interference:
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Let two coherent source having amplitude a1 and a2 meets at a point P with a phase difference ∅. Then, displacement of resultant wave is y=y1+y2 ………………………………(1) Here, y1=𝑎1 sin 𝑤𝑡 y2=a2 sin(𝑤𝑡 + 𝜙) So, y= 𝑎1 sin 𝑤𝑡 + a2 sin(𝑤𝑡 + 𝜙) = 𝑎1 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑤𝑡 + 𝑎2 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑤𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜙 + a2 Cos wt Sin𝜙 Important short answer question: 1. Two sources of light must be coherent. 1) What are coherent sources of light? Can two different 2. Two slits must be very close to each other. bulbs, 3. Two slits must be very narrow. similar in all respects, acts as coherent sources? 4. The waves from sources should be in same 2) What are the conditions for constructive and destructive phase or constant phase difference. interference of light waves? 5. The two sources of light must travel in same direction. 3) A two slit interference experiment is setup and the fringes are displaced on a screen. Then, the whole apparatus is immersed in water. How does the fringes pattern change? 4) Does the interference of light waves obey the conservation of energy? Explain. 5) In young’s double slit experiment, how is the fringe width altered if the separation between the slits is doubled and the distance between the slits and the screen is halved? 6) Distinguish between interference and diffraction. 7) Why have the two sources of light to be close to each other for the production of good interference pattern? 8) What are the condition for sustained interference of light? Ans: the condition of sustained interference of light are Numerical Question: 1)The separation between the consecutive dark fringes in a young’s double slit experiment is 1 mm. The Screen is placed at a distance of 2m from the slits of 1.00 mm separation. What is the wavelength of light used in the experiment? Ans: fringe width(β)=1mm =1× 10 𝑚 distance between slit and screen(D)=2m Slit separation(d)=1mm=1× 10 𝑚
