Module: 2 - Optics

2023-24
Group A: Very Short Answer Questions [1×10=10]

4. In Fraunhofer diffraction, the incident wavefront is .

Module: Optics
Answer: Plane

9. Diffraction is actually a form of interference. True or False?

Module: Optics
Answer: True

Group B: Short Answer Questions [5×3=15]

1. State five applications of

LASER Module: Optics
Answer: CD/DVD reading, barcode scanning, laser surgery, fiber-optic communication, laser cutting.

4. Diffraction grating resolution, polarization, max

order Module: Optics
Answer: Use R = λ/Δλ = nN,
Malus law I = I₀cos²θ,
n = d/λ (max n when sinθ ≤ 1)

2022-23
Group A: Very Short Answer Questions [1×10=10]

5. Why the Sound wave doesn’t show the phenomenon of

polarization? Module: Optics
Answer: Because sound is a longitudinal wave

6. What is the expression of separation between interference fringes in double slit

diffraction? Module: Optics
Answer: Δx = λD/d

Group B: Short Answer Questions [5×3=15]

2. Reduce Brewster’s law and find angle for glass slab (n=1.5) in water
(n=4/3). Module: Optics
Answer: Brewster's angle θ_B = arctan(n₂/n₁) = arctan(1.5 / 1.33) ≈ 48.6°

4. Expression for intensity in Fraunhofer single slit diffraction and conditions for maxima/minima?
Module: Optics
Answer: I(θ) = I₀(sinβ/β)², where β = (πa sinθ)/λ; Maxima when β ≈ nπ, Minima when sinθ = nλ/a

Group C: Long Answer Questions [15×3=45]

1. Positive and negative crystals, optic axis, distinguish between circular and unpolarized
light, polarization explanation.
Module: Optics
 Answer: Positive: μ_e < μ_o; Negative: μ_e > μ_o. Circular polarization = Ex and Ey out of phase by
90°, Nicol prism + QWP test.

5. Fraunhofer diffraction: intensity, sketch, angular/linear width, fringe pattern with white light.
Module: Optics
Answer: Total angular width = 2λ/a, linear width = 2λD/a. Central fringe white, colored fringes on
side.

2019-20
Group A: Very Short Answer Questions [1×10=10]

2. Phase difference in half-wave

plate? Module: Optics
Answer: π (180°)

5. Resolving power of grating in nth order with N rulings?

Module: Optics
Answer: nN

Group B: Short Answer Questions [5×3=15]

1. Expression for intensity in diffraction grating & condition for secondary

minima Module: Optics
Answer: I(θ) = I₀(sinβ/β)²; Secondary minima: sinθ ≠ integer multiples

2. Diffraction angle for 5890 Å light, 4250

lines/cm Module: Optics
Answer: Using d = 1/N, d = 1/(4.25×10⁵ m⁻¹), then use d sinθ = nλ

8. Grating equation and difference between prism & grating

spectrum Module: Optics
Answer: nλ = d sinθ; Prism: continuous, Grating: discrete lines

Group C: Long Answer Questions [15×3=45]

2. Fraunhofer single slit diffraction, Newton’s ring with oil

Module: Optics
Answer: I(θ) = I₀(sinβ/β)²; Radius decreases with higher refractive index

3. Brewster’s law, Nicol prism, Einstein A & B

Module: Optics, Quantum Mechanics
Answer: tanθ_B = n₂/n₁, A/B = (8πhν³)/(c³); Nicol splits O-ray and E-ray

5. LASER principle, A-B coefficient, missing orders

Module: Optics
Answer: LASER: Stimulated emission, A/B relates to energy density; Orders missing where slit width
blocks diffraction
2018-19
Group A: Multiple Choice Questions [1×10=10]

4. Wavefront in Fraunhofer diffraction?

Module: Optics
Answer: Plane

5. Phase difference in a quarter wave plate?

Module: Optics
Answer: π/2

Group B: Short Answer Questions [5×3=15]

3. Fraunhofer vs Fresnel diffraction

Module: Optics
Answer: Fraunhofer: plane waves, parallel rays; Fresnel: spherical waves

4. Expression for intensity in double slit diffraction; max/min

Answer: I ∝ cos²(πd sinθ/λ), Max: path diff = nλ, Min: = (n+1/2)λ

condition Module: Optics

2018-19
Group A – Multiple Choice Questions (10x1 = 10 Marks)

• Ratio of max to min intensity for interference with amplitudes 2a and

a Answer: (c) 4:1
Module: Optics

• Path difference in a half-wave

plate Answer: (a) λ/2
Module: Optics

• Intensity of principal maxima in grating is proportional

to Answer: (c) N²
Module: Optics

• Population inversion in Ruby laser achieved

by Answer: (a) Optical pumping
Module: Lasers

• Principle of holography
Answer: (a)
Interference Module:
Optics

• Angle between (111) and (101) planes in cubic cell

Answer: (c) 54.69°
Module: Crystal Structure
• Relation between edge and radius in
BCC Answer: (d) r = √3/4 * a
Module: Crystal Structure

Group B – Short Answer Questions (3x5 = 15 Marks)

• Double slit fringe pattern derivation – Module: Optics

• Newton’s Rings – Refractive Index – Module: Optics

• Rayleigh Criterion & Grating Resolution – Module: Optics

• E-ray and O-ray explanation – Module: Optics (Polarization)

• Define polarization; circular light via QWP – Module: Optics

• Rotated polaroid by 60°, percentage transmitted – Answer: I = I₀cos²60° = 0.25I₀ – Module: Optics

Group C – Long Answer Questions (3x15 = 45 Marks)

• Malus Law & transmitted intensity – Module: Optics

• Retardation plate; distinguishing circular light – Module: Optics

• Critical angle, polarizing angle refraction – Module: Optics

• Laser vs normal light; Einstein A-B coeffs – Module: Lasers

• Stimulated/spontaneous ratio for sodium line – Module: Lasers

• Ruby laser diagram & optical pumping – Module: Lasers

• Interference vs Diffraction; Newton's rings – Module: Optics

• Conditions for interference & single slit intensity – Module: Optics

2017-18 Paper
Group A – Multiple Choice Questions (10x1 = 10 Marks)

5. Phenomenon proving light is

transverse Answer: (c) Polarization

Module: Optics

6. Resolving power of a

grating Answer: (a) nN

Module: Optics

12. Orthorhombic lattice parameters

Answer: (b) a ≠ b ≠ c, α = β = γ = 90°

Module: Crystal Structure

13. Atoms per unit cell and coordination number in simple cubic
Answer: (a) 1, 6

Module: Crystal Structure

14. Einstein A/B coefficient ratio is proportional

to Answer: (a) ν³

Module: Lasers

Group B – Short Answer Questions (3x5 = 15 Marks)

1. Double slit fringe pattern

expression Module: Optics

2. Newton’s rings (Find refractive

index) Module: Optics

3. Rayleigh criterion and grating width to resolve D-

lines Module: Optics

4. E-ray and O-ray

explanation Module: Optics

(Polarization)

9. Quarter-wave plate and circularly polarized

light Module: Optics

10. Polaroids at 60° – % of light

passed Answer: 25%

Module: Optics

Group C – Long Answer Questions (3x15 = 45 Marks)

1. Interference from independent sources, conditions, and fringe shift with

glass Module: Optics

2. Planck’s law, Wien’s law, group × phase velocity constancy, Newton’s rings diameter

change Module: Quantum Mechanics & Optics

3. Primitive cell, cubic type ID via density, interplanar spacing, Compton effect and KE

relation Module: Crystal Structure & Quantum Mechanics

4. Stimulated vs spontaneous emission, birefringent plate thickness, APF of

FCC Module: Lasers & Crystal Structure

2016-17
Group A – Multiple Choice Questions (10x1 = 10 Marks)

• E-ray and O-ray along optic

axis Answer: (c) μe = μo
Module: Optics (Polarization)

• Nearest neighbor distance ratio (SC : BCC :

FCC) Answer: (b) 1 : √3 : √2
Module: Crystal Structure

• Interference intensity ratio

9:1 Answer: (c) 4:1
Module: Optics (Interference)

• Holography records
Answer: (c) both amplitude and phase
Module: Optics (Holography)

• Fraunhofer diffraction wavefront

Answer: (a) Plane
Module: Optics (Diffraction)

• Bragg's law condition

Answer: (a) nλ = 2d sinθ
Module: Crystal Structure

• Ghost lines in grating

Answer: (b) Irregular slit arrangement
Module: Optics (Gratings)

• Population inversion in ruby

laser Answer: (d) Optical pumping
Module: Lasers

Group B – Short Answer Questions (3x5 = 15 Marks)

• Coherent sources in YDSE and conservation of energy in interference – Module: Optics

• APF of FCC + Bragg's law unit cell size calc – Module: Crystal Structure

• Brewster’s law and perpendicular reflected-refracted rays – Module: Optics (Polarization)

• Average KE in SHM + APF of FCC – Module: Mechanics & Crystal Structure

• Population inversion and He-Ne laser diagram – Module: Lasers

Group C – Long Answer Questions (3x15 = 45 Marks)

• Independent sources & interference, Newton’s ring in water, fringe width calc, μ from ring
shift, single slit intensity – Module: Optics

• Malus law (60°), retardation plate & Nicol prism, optical pumping not for gas laser, max recoil KE
of e⁻ – Module: Optics & Lasers
2015-16
3. (a) What is missing order in double slit diffraction pattern? —

Explain graphically.

(b) What do you mean by resolving power for plane transmission grating?

c) Why the Newton’s rings are circular in nature?

8. (a) If the distance between two coherent sources of light with wavelength 2. is d

and 22 is the source screen distance then show that fringe width separation x=D*lambda/d

(b) State the condition to be fulfilled for the production of sustained

interference fringes.

(C) Show that in Newton’s Ring experiment the radii of bright fringes are

proportional to the square roots of odd natural numbers,

(d) In a Newton’s ring experiment, the diameter of S™ dark ring is 0.336 em and

the diameter of the 15" dark ring is 0.590 cm. Find the radius of the Plano-

convex lens if the wavelength of the light used is $890 A.

9. (a) What is the difference between single-slit and double-slit diffraction pattern?

(b) Show that the intensity of secondary maxima formed by single-

slit Fraunhofer diffraction process is nearly 4.5% of the principal

maxima.

(c) A parallel beam of light of wavelength 5890 A falls normally on a

plane transmission grating having 4250 line/em. Find the angle of

diffraction for maximum intensity in first order.

(d) Calculate ‘the polarizing angle for a light tay travelling from water

of refractive index 1.33 to glass of refractive index 1.53.

(e) Discuss briefly how Nicol prism can be used as a polarizer.

10. (a) What is the basic principle behind holography?

(b) Discuss the process of construction and reconstruction of hologram.

(c) In a He-Ne laser transition from E3 to £) level gives a laser emission of

wavelength 632.8 nm. If the energy of E> level is 15.2 x 107” J, how much

pumping energy is required, if there is no energy loss? (Given that

Planck’s
 constant h = 6.625 x 10°" J).

(d) What is the role of optical resonators in LASER?

2014-15
Group A

(iv) Dispersive power of grating increases with increase of

(A) number of lines per centimeter (B) order number

(C) number of lines and order number (D) intensity of incident light

(v) In Young’s double slit experiment using two identical slits, the intensity of the

maximum at the centre of the screen is “/°. What will be the intensity at the

centre of the screen if one on the slits is closed?

(A) I (B)27

(C) 7 (D) 3

(vi) A nicol prism can act as a

(A) polarizer (B) both polarizer and analyzer

(C) analyzer (D) laser

6. (a) State Malus’ law.

(b) In damped harmonic motion, calculate the time in which the energy falls to

a times of its initial value.

(c) Draw the amplitude resonance curves for different values of damping.

GROUP C

7. (a) Prove that the intensity of secondary maxima formed for Fraunhofer diffraction

at a single slit are of decreasing order. .

(b) Explain missing order in N-slit diffraction.

(c) State Rayleigh criterion. Write a short note on resolving power of a grating.

(d) A mica sheet of refractive index 1.58 is introduced in one of the interfering

beams and the central fringe gets shifted by 0.2 cm. The distance between the

sources is 0.lcm and the screen is placed at a distance 50 cm from the sources.

Determine
 the thickness of the mica sheet.

2013-14
Group A: Multiple Choice Questions [1×10=10]

4. Constructive interference occurs at path diff

= Module: Optics
Answer: Even multiple of λ/2

5. Grating: intensity ∝ ?
Module: Optics
Answer: N²

12. Plane polarized light

by? Module: Optics
Answer: Nicol prism

13. Fraunhofer diffraction: wavefront is?

Module: Optics
Answer: Plane

14. Point source of light

wavefront? Module: Optics
Answer: Spherical

Group B: Short Answer Questions [5×3=15]

2. Fringe width in Young's exp;

coherence Module: Optics
Answer: Width = λD/d; coherence = constant phase diff. over time/space

3. Optical resonator, mode between

mirrors Module: Optics
Answer: L = mλ/2; Mode: λ = 2L/m

4. Polarization angle = 90° between reflected &

refracted Module: Optics
Answer: Brewster angle: θ_i + θ_r = 90°

Group C: Long Answer Questions [15×3=45]

3. Detect light polarization types; calculate angle

Module: Optics
Answer: Use analyzer for testing types; Brewster angle θ_B = tan⁻¹(n₂/n₁)

4. Holography principle, Ruby laser

Module: Optics, Quantum Mechanics
Answer: Interference-based 3D image; Ruby: Al₂O₃ doped with Cr³⁺
2012-13
Group A: Multiple Choice Questions [1×10=10]

4. Mica sheet in interference pattern causes?

Module: Optics
Answer: Fringe shift (pattern shifts)

11. Polarization proves light

is? Module: Optics
Answer: Transverse

Group C: Long Answer Questions [15×3=45]

4. Why independent sources don't interfere; Young's exp.

curve Module: Optics
Answer: Phase not maintained; diagram shows cosine squared pattern

5. Newton’s ring refractive index; fringe width in

medium Module: Optics
Answer: Use Δx = λ / (2μ); width shrinks by factor 1/μ

6. Fresnel vs Fraunhofer; single slit sec. max

derivation Module: Optics
Answer: tanα = nπ / a

7. Rayleigh criterion; NA from microscope

data Module: Optics
Answer: NA = n sinθ = λ / d_min

2011-10

1) v. In Newton's ring experiment the diameters of the dark rings are proportional to

vi. A diffraction pattern is obtained with a plane transmission grating using a beam of red
light. What happens after red light is replaced by blue light?

8) a. In Young's double slit experiment, the slits are 0.2 mm apart and the screen is 1:5 m
away. It is observed that the distance between the central bright fringe and the fourth dark
fringe is 1-8 cm. Find the wavelength of light. is)

b. Write the expression of intensity (explaining the symbols) distribution for

Fraunhoffer diffraction due to a double slit. Draw the distribution graphically.

c. Find the conditions of diffraction minima and interference maxima from the
above expression.

d. In a double slit experiment if the slit width is 2 mm and the separation between the slits
is 4 mm then find the missing orders. Derive the formula that you use. 3

e. Define resolving power of a grating. What factors does it depend upon?

9) a. Using Brewster's law show that light incident on a transparent substance at
polarising angle gives reflected and refracted rays at right angles to each other.

b. Describe how circularly polarized light and unpolarized light may be distinguished
by experiment.

c. Unpolarized light is incident on two polarizing sheets placed on top of the other. Each
sheet reduces the intensity of unpolarized light by 50%. What must be the angle
between the characteristic directions of sheets if the intensity of the transmitted light is
1/3 of the intensity of the incident beam.

d. A quarter wave plate is fabricated with smallest possible thickness for wavelength of
589.3 nm. What phase retardation will be obtained with this plate with light having
wavelength of
435.8 nm. You may neglect the variations of refractive indices with wavelength for this
problem.

e. Describe how the phase information of an object wave may be recorded in a

holographic plate.