An optical laboratory wishes to reduce reflections from the surface of a glass lens…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Waves Sound and Physical Optics · Waves Sound and Physical Optics
Problem
An optical laboratory wishes to reduce reflections from the surface of a glass lens (ng=1.52) by applying a single, non-absorbing magnesium fluoride coating (nc=1.38). The coating is to minimize reflections for light of wavelength 550nm in air. Assume normal incidence.
(a) Calculate the wavelength of this light within the magnesium fluoride coating.
(b) Determine the smallest non-zero coating thickness that will strongly suppress reflections at the design wavelength. Show all reasoning and include appropriate units.
(c) Briefly state one advantage and one limitation of relying on a single-layer coating optimized for a single wavelength when the lens will be used with white light.