Article
Experimental Observation of Rainbow Scattering by a Coated Cylinder: Twin Primary Rainbows and Thin-Film Interference
Applied Optics
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-20-2001
Disciplines
Abstract
We experimentally examine the primary rainbow created by the illumination of a coated cylinder. We present a simple technique for varying the coating thickness over a wide range of values, and we see evidence for two different scattering regimes. In one, where the coating thickness is large, twin rainbows are produced. In the second, where the coating is thin enough to act as a thin film, a single rainbow is produced whose intensity varies periodically as the coating thickness varies. We find good agreement with previous theoretical predictions. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.
DOI
10.1364/AO.40.001548
Version
Publisher's PDF
Publisher's Statement
This paper was published in Applied Optics and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/ao/abstract.cfm?URI=ao-40-9-1548. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.
Citation Information
Adler, Charles L., James A. Lock, Justin K. Nash, and Kirk W. Saunders. "Experimental Observation of Rainbow Scattering by a Coated Cylinder: Twin Primary Rainbows and Thin-Film Interference." Applied Optics 40 (2001): 1548-1558.