6D30.80 - Interference - Microscope Slide or Glass Tube

See paragraph one in the procedure section.
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.

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.