In a ruby laser, laser light of wavelength 694.3 nm is emitted. The ruby crystal is 6.00 cm lo

step 1 In this exercise, we have a ruby laser that produces light with wavelengths 694 .3 nanometers. A

In a ruby laser, laser light of wavelength 694.3 nm is...

In a ruby laser, laser light of wavelength $694.3 \mathrm{~nm}$ is emitted. The ruby crystal is $6.00 \mathrm{~cm}$ long, and the index of refraction of ruby is $1.75 .$ Think of the light in the ruby crystal as a standing wave along the length of the crystal. How many wavelengths fit in the crystal? (Standing waves in the crystal help to reduce the range of wavelengths in the beam.)

Labs

Want to see this concept in action?

NEW

Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.

View Labs

Key Concepts

Optical Path Length

Optical path length is the product of the physical length of the medium and its refractive index. It represents the effective distance light travels in the medium and is essential for calculating phase differences and determining the conditions for constructive interference in resonant cavities.

Wavelength in a Medium

The wavelength of light changes when it travels through a medium due to the medium's index of refraction. This adjusted wavelength is calculated by dividing the vacuum wavelength by the refractive index, and it determines how many wavelengths can fit within a given physical length.

Standing Waves

Standing waves are patterns of oscillation that remain fixed in space, typically formed when two waves of the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions. They are instrumental in systems like resonant cavities, where only specific wavelengths that satisfy the boundary conditions (integral multiples fitting within the cavity) can sustain oscillations over time.

Transcript

Please give Ace some feedback