Interference and Diffraction
Online lecture videos recorded by Prof. Darin Acosta
Use of these videos for teaching purposes requires the explicit
consent of Prof. Dain Acosta
- Principle of Superposition, Constructive and Destructive Interference
- Lecture (22:35)
- Overview of the interference of two electromagnetic waves and the concepts of fully constructive and destructive interference
- Double Slit Interference
- Demonstrations (9:01)
- Lecture (17:44)
- Explanation of the interference pattern for 2 slit interference and the conditions for constructive and destructive interference
- Example problem (6:48)
- Intensity in Interference Patterns
- Lecture (6:53)
- Intensity in electromagnetic interference patterns and for 2 slit interference in particular
- Michelson Interferometer
- Lecture (26:25)
- Demonstration and explanation of the interference conditions in a Michelson interferometer and a discussion of two physics applications associated to Einstein's theories of Relativity
- Reflection and Transmission through Thin Films
- Thin Soap Films (20:46)
- Discussion of the interference of light reflected off of a thin soap film, including possible phase shifts at boundaries
- Lens Coating Films (11:28)
- Discussion of interference through a thin film applied to a lens
- Example Problem (12:36)
- Diffraction Gratings
- Lecture (17:23)
- Interference from multi-slit diffraction gratings, and the application to optical spectroscopy
- Single Aperture Diffraction
- Lecture (25:26)
- Diffraction patterns from a single slit and a single aperture, as well as Rayleigh's criterion to resolve objects
Copyright Darin Acosta, 2021