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Thin-Film Interference Calculator — result sheet
Estimate the optical path difference and nearest constructive or destructive reflection condition for a uniform thin film.
Inputs used
Results
Visual chart
Breakdown
Calculation steps
Returned data table
Formula and methodology
Formula: Optical path difference = 2nt cos(theta); total reflected phase cycles = optical path difference/lambda + phase reversals/2.
Reflected rays from the top and bottom of a film can reinforce or cancel. This bounded calculator reports the path contribution and compares the total phase with the nearest integer or half-integer cycle; the reflection-phase choice must come from the surrounding refractive indices.
This result follows the calculator's declared inputs, precision, validation boundaries, and model limits.
Input contract
- Vacuum wavelength — nm; minimum 1.0E-6; maximum 1000000000
- Film refractive index — minimum 1; maximum 100
- Film thickness — nm; minimum 1.0E-6; maximum 1000000000
- Angle inside film — °; minimum 0; maximum 89.999
- Relative reflection phase reversals — 2 choices
Worked example
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Vacuum wavelength | 500 |
| Film refractive index | 1.38 |
| Film thickness | 90.6 |
| Angle inside film | 0 |
| Relative reflection phase reversals | zero |
Optical path difference ≈ 250.06 nm, or 0.5001 wavelength; the nearest condition is destructive reflection.
Assumptions and limits
- Wavelength and thickness use the same length unit after conversion, and the entered angle is measured inside the film.
- The film is uniform, planar, lossless, and illuminated by a single wavelength.
- Polarization, absorption, surface roughness, multiple internal reflections, and the surrounding-medium phase rules are not solved automatically.
Calculator note
Source and methodology
Use the official WorldCalculate methodology policy for the source, formula, precision, and boundary standards behind this calculator.
Planning estimate, not financial, medical, legal, or professional advice. © WorldCalculate — reuse with attribution. Built and curated by Hassan ALRowaie.
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