🌈 Thin Film Interference

See how light creates colorful patterns in soap bubbles and oil slicks

Difficulty: ● Medium

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If you've hit the button for the simulation to start, and you think nothing is happening, its because this simulation isn't meant to be moving, change the parameters and you will see a change
📐 Physics Formulas
2nt = mλ
Constructive interference condition
2nt = (m + ½)λ
Destructive interference condition
λ_film = λ_air / n
Wavelength in the film
📚 Key Concepts
  • Phase shift occurs at denser medium boundary
  • Path difference = 2 × thickness × refractive index
  • Different wavelengths interfere differently
  • Thickness determines which colors appear bright
  • White light creates rainbow patterns
🔬 Try This
  • Vary thickness to see color changes
  • Change refractive index (soap vs oil)
  • Switch to monochromatic light mode
  • Watch colors change with viewing angle
⚙️ Film Settings
Film Thickness 300 nm
Refractive Index 1.33
Viewing Angle 20°
Show Ray Paths
Show Phase Info
🎭 View Mode
Material Presets:
0.0
Path Difference (nm)
0
Interference Order
---
Interference Type
0.0
Intensity (%)