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Optical Path Difference is the difference in distance traveled by two light waves having the same frequency and initial phase but taking different paths to reach the same point. Check FAQs
Δ=(RI-1)Dd
Δ - Optical Path Difference?RI - Refractive Index?D - Distance between Slits and Screen?d - Distance between Two Coherent Sources?

Optical Path Difference Example

With values
With units
Only example

Here is how the Optical Path Difference equation looks like with Values.

Here is how the Optical Path Difference equation looks like with Units.

Here is how the Optical Path Difference equation looks like.

0.6346Edit=(1.333Edit-1)20.2Edit10.6Edit
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Optical Path Difference Solution

Follow our step by step solution on how to calculate Optical Path Difference?

FIRST Step Consider the formula
Δ=(RI-1)Dd
Next Step Substitute values of Variables
Δ=(1.333-1)20.2cm10.6cm
Next Step Convert Units
Δ=(1.333-1)0.202m0.106m
Next Step Prepare to Evaluate
Δ=(1.333-1)0.2020.106
Next Step Evaluate
Δ=0.634584905660377
LAST Step Rounding Answer
Δ=0.6346

Optical Path Difference Formula Elements

Variables
Optical Path Difference
Optical Path Difference is the difference in distance traveled by two light waves having the same frequency and initial phase but taking different paths to reach the same point.
Symbol: Δ
Measurement: NAUnit: Unitless
Note: Value can be positive or negative.
Refractive Index
Refractive Index is a measure of how much a light beam is bent when it passes from one medium to another, describing the amount of refraction that occurs.
Symbol: RI
Measurement: NAUnit: Unitless
Note: Value can be positive or negative.
Distance between Slits and Screen
Distance between Slits and Screen is the distance between the slits and the screen in a Young's double-slit experiment, used to measure the interference pattern of light waves.
Symbol: D
Measurement: LengthUnit: cm
Note: Value should be greater than 0.
Distance between Two Coherent Sources
Distance between Two Coherent Sources is the distance between two sources that emit waves in phase with each other, resulting in an interference pattern.
Symbol: d
Measurement: LengthUnit: cm
Note: Value can be positive or negative.

Other Formulas to find Optical Path Difference

​Go Optical Path Difference given Fringe Width
Δ=(RI-1)tβλ

Other formulas in Thin Film Interference and Optical Path Difference category

​Go Thin-Film Constructive Interference in Reflected Light
Ic=(n+12)λ
​Go Thin-Film Constructive Interference in Transmitted Light
Ic=nλ
​Go Thin-Film Destructive Interference in Reflected Light
Id=nλ
​Go Thin-Film Destructive Interference in Transmitted Light
Id=(n+12)λ

How to Evaluate Optical Path Difference?

Optical Path Difference evaluator uses Optical Path Difference = (Refractive Index-1)*Distance between Slits and Screen/Distance between Two Coherent Sources to evaluate the Optical Path Difference, Optical Path Difference formula is defined as a measure of the difference in optical path lengths between two light beams, typically used in interferometry to analyze the properties of light waves and their interactions with matter. Optical Path Difference is denoted by Δ symbol.

How to evaluate Optical Path Difference using this online evaluator? To use this online evaluator for Optical Path Difference, enter Refractive Index (RI), Distance between Slits and Screen (D) & Distance between Two Coherent Sources (d) and hit the calculate button.

FAQs on Optical Path Difference

What is the formula to find Optical Path Difference?
The formula of Optical Path Difference is expressed as Optical Path Difference = (Refractive Index-1)*Distance between Slits and Screen/Distance between Two Coherent Sources. Here is an example- 0.634585 = (1.333-1)*0.202/0.106.
How to calculate Optical Path Difference?
With Refractive Index (RI), Distance between Slits and Screen (D) & Distance between Two Coherent Sources (d) we can find Optical Path Difference using the formula - Optical Path Difference = (Refractive Index-1)*Distance between Slits and Screen/Distance between Two Coherent Sources.
What are the other ways to Calculate Optical Path Difference?
Here are the different ways to Calculate Optical Path Difference-
  • Optical Path Difference=(Refractive Index-1)*Thickness*Fringe Width/WavelengthOpenImg
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