Laser, expanding lens, microscope slide
Microscope Slide Image

 

Code Number: 6D30.80

Demo Title: Interference - Microscope Slide or Glass Tube

Condition: Good

Principle: Interference

Area of Study: Optics

Equipment: 

Laser, expanding lens, microscope slide.

Procedure:

Expand the laser beam and shine in through the microscope slide.  By turning the microscope slide so that it has a very small angle in relation to the beam you should be able to get two spots on the screen.  Both spots will have interference patterns on them, but the reflected pattern will have a more detectable pattern.

References:

  • Paul B. Robinson, "Optical Properties of Double-Glazed Windows", TPT, Vol. 36, # 1, Jan. 1998, p. 53.
  • Brother James Mahoney, C.F.X., "Laser Interference by a Convex Mirror", TPT, Vol. 10, # 7, Oct. 1972, p. 406, reprinted in TPT, Vol. 41, # 4, p. 250, April 2003.
  • Thomas B. Greenslade Jr. "LASER INTERFERENCE BY A CONVEX MIRROR", TPT, Vol. 41, #4, April 2003, p. 250.
  • Agnes Hewitt, Joseph Sowers, L. John Gagliardi, F. Blood, "A Simple Experiment Concerning the Multiple Reflection of Light from a Wedge", AJP, Vol. 42, # 4, Apr. 1974, p. 334.
  • T. Kallard, "Interference Demonstration with Plane Parallel Glass Plates", Exploring Laser Light, p. 121.
  • T. Kallard, "Thickness Measurement by Interference", Exploring Laser Light, p. 129.
  • T. Kallard, "Interference Demonstration with a Small Glass Tube", Exploring Laser Light, p. 121.
  • A. F. Leung and S. George,  "Measuring Thickness of a Glass Bottle with a Laser",
  • Gordon McComb,  Lasers, Ray Guns, & Light Cannons - Projects from the Wizard's Workbench, p. 153.