Ideal Etalon Transmission Formula:
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The Ideal Etalon Transmission formula calculates the transmission coefficient of a Fabry-Pérot interferometer (etalon) based on the reflectivity of the surfaces and the single-pass phase shift of light. It describes how light is transmitted through the interferometer due to interference effects.
The calculator uses the Ideal Etalon Transmission formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the interference between multiple reflections of light between the two reflecting surfaces of the etalon.
Details: Accurate transmission calculation is crucial for designing optical filters, laser cavities, spectroscopy instruments, and other optical systems that use Fabry-Pérot interferometers.
Tips: Enter reflectivity as a value between 0 and 1, and single-pass phase shift in radians. Both values must be valid (reflectivity 0-1, phase shift ≥ 0).
Q1: What is an etalon?
A: An etalon is an optical interferometer that consists of two partially reflecting surfaces separated by a fixed distance, used for precise wavelength selection and measurement.
Q2: What is the typical range of reflectivity values?
A: Reflectivity typically ranges from 0 (no reflection) to values close to 1 (near perfect reflection), with common values between 0.3-0.99 for practical etalons.
Q3: How is single-pass phase shift related to the etalon?
A: The single-pass phase shift depends on the wavelength of light, the distance between mirrors, and the refractive index of the medium between them.
Q4: What are the applications of etalon transmission calculations?
A: Used in laser design, optical filtering, spectroscopy, telecommunications, and precision wavelength measurement applications.
Q5: Are there limitations to this ideal formula?
A: This formula assumes ideal conditions - perfect parallel mirrors, no absorption losses, and monochromatic light. Real-world applications may require additional corrections.