Main objective(s) of experiment stated, indicates how to achieve objective in 2-3 sentences:
Single Slit Diffraction
As light passes through a single narrow slit of width a, a diffraction pattern is observed. A
classical analogy is observing water waves through a narrow opening. The interference of the
waves creates minima in specific locations that follow the equation:
a sin θ = mλ ; m = 1, 2, 3, ...
Here, θ is the angle from the centre line and m is the minima order number which counts
outward from either side of the central maxima.
Single Slit Diffraction Pattern
If we were to measure θ directly, it would be quite difficult so a few tricks are employed. First, it’s
noted that the distance from central maxima to minima ym is (or should be) much smaller than
the distance between the single slit and screen, D. Thus using some trigonometry, small angle
approximation, and rearranging, we obtain the following result:
ysingle,m = mλD a ; y ≪ D
Double Slit Interference
Next, we consider the effect of light as it passes through two slits of width, a, and separation d.
In this case, an interference and diffraction pattern are observed. The interference pattern arises
from two coherent sources creating constructive and destructive interference with one another.
The classical analogy is listening to two speakers (playing the same thing) separated some
distance away from one another. In this case, since light is still travelling through single slits (two
of them), single slit diffraction is also observed. Since both are occurring at the same time, the
two shapes are multiplicative and one observes the interference pattern encapsulated by a
diffraction pattern.
The maxima due to constructive interference is given by the following condition:
d sin θ = mλ ; m = 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
Using the same approximations as the single slit equation, we arrive at the following result.
ydouble,m = mλD d ; y ≪ D
Double Slit Interference Pattern
Double Slit Interference and Diffraction Pattern
Using the equipment provided devise an experiment in order to model the interference and
diffraction pattern of light through a single slit and double slit. Analyze how the pattern changes
as the slit width and slit separation changes. Using the single slit model, determine the
wavelength of the laser in use and compare it to the actual wavelength. Using the double slit
model determine an arbitrary unknown slit separation based on its pattern. Comment on the
results of the experiment, incorporating relevant discussion questions.
Learning Objectives
•Computationally simulate the single slit and double slit interference and diffraction pattern of
light.
•Analyze the relationship between the slit width and slit separation on the diffraction and
interference pattern of light.
•Determine the wavelength of a laser based on the diffraction pattern.
