MLchartDataset catalogue

Thin-film interference

Term · Industrial and trades · MLC-T-IND-005964

A phenomenon where light waves reflecting from the top and bottom surfaces of a thin film interfere with each other, producing iridescent colors. The constructive or destructive interference depends on the film's thickness, the refractive indices of the film and surrounding media, and the angle of incidence. This effect is responsible for the colors seen in soap bubbles, oil slicks, and anti-reflective coatings.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-IND-005964
FieldIndustrial and trades
SubjectOptics and imaging
TranslationsGerman: Dünnschichtinterferenz; Spanish: interferencia de película delgada; French: interférence en couche mince
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-IND-005964",
  "term": "Thin-film interference",
  "field": "Industrial and trades",
  "definition": "A phenomenon where light waves reflecting from the top and bottom surfaces of a thin film interfere with each other, producing iridescent colors. The constructive or destructive interference depends on the film's thickness, the refractive indices of the film and surrounding media, and the angle of incidence. This effect is responsible for the colors seen in soap bubbles, oil slicks, and anti-reflective coatings.",
  "subject": "Optics and imaging",
  "translations": {
    "de": "Dünnschichtinterferenz",
    "es": "interferencia de película delgada",
    "fr": "interférence en couche mince"
  },
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/industrial/thin-film-interference/"
}

Record 6,512 of 7,361 in Industrial and trades terminology (MLC-0113). Request the full dataset.