Young's Double Slit - Fringe Width

[OJ-Hick]

When measuring the fringe width of a superposition pattern from a monochromatic source - I am using a laser. What problems/inaccuracies could I have when measuring it?

 

[James Leighe]

It's super small? Human error? Shot noise? H.E.P? Fabrication inadequacies? Airborne particles? Godzilla?

It's going to be a long list.

 

[sir-pinski]

There are a few potential problems or inaccuracies that you may encounter when measuring the fringe width of a superposition pattern from a monochromatic source using a laser in Young's Double Slit experiment.

1. Diffraction effects: The laser beam used in the experiment may not be perfectly collimated, which can result in diffraction effects and cause the fringes to appear wider than they actually are. This can lead to an overestimation of the fringe width.

2. Imperfect slits: The slits used in the experiment may not be perfectly straight or evenly spaced, which can also affect the accuracy of the measurements. Any imperfections in the slits can result in uneven diffraction and lead to an inaccurate measurement of the fringe width.

3. Ambient light: The presence of ambient light in the experimental setup can also affect the measurement of the fringe width. This can cause interference with the laser beam and make it difficult to accurately determine the position of the fringes.

4. Human error: Any measurement made by humans is susceptible to human error. In the case of measuring the fringe width, slight variations in the position of the measuring device or the observer's eye can result in a different measurement each time, leading to inconsistencies and inaccuracies.

5. Limited resolution: The measuring device used to determine the fringe width may have limited resolution, which can result in a rounded or approximate measurement. This can lead to slight variations in the measured value and affect the overall accuracy of the experiment.

To minimize these potential problems and inaccuracies, it is important to carefully set up the experimental apparatus, use high-quality slits and measuring devices, and repeat the measurements multiple times to ensure consistency. Additionally, taking into account and properly accounting for any sources of error can help to improve the accuracy of the measurements.