From Alexander of aphrodisias to Young and Airy

被引：22

作者：

Jackson, JD ^{[1
]}

机构：

[1] Univ Calif Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA

来源：

PHYSICS REPORTS-REVIEW SECTION OF PHYSICS LETTERS | 1999年 / 320卷 / 1-6期

关键词：

D O I：

10.1016/S0370-1573(99)00088-5

中图分类号：

O4 [物理学];

学科分类号：

0702 ;

摘要：

A didactic discussion of the physics of rainbows is presented? with some emphasis on the history? especially the contributions of Thomas Young nearly 200 years ago. We begin with the simple geometrical optics of Descartes and Newton, including the reasons for Alexander's dark band between the main and secondary bows. We then show how dispersion produces the familiar colorful spectacle. Interference between waves emerging at the same angle, but traveling different optical paths within the water drops, accounts for the existence of distinct supernumerary rainbows under the right conditions (small drops, uniform in size). Young's and Airy's contributions are given their due. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

引用

页码：27 / 36

页数：10