How Does Diffraction Grating Reveal CD and DVD Storage Capacities?

[NeoXx]

Hello,


I have to do an experiment in which I will investigate the diffraction grating of a CD
and a DVD. I want to find out the spacing of tracks on both of them and thus find how much information can be stored. Also I want to compare them (density of tracks etc.) and maybe even suggest further improvements to optical disks.

Is there anything else I could find out in this experiment? Perhaps some mathematical relationship?


Regards,

NeoXx

 

[UltrafastPED]

You will use the diffraction grating equation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffraction_grating

That plus a well collimated beam of coherent light.

 

[dauto]

You will use the diffraction grating equation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffraction_grating

That plus a well collimated beam of coherent light.

AKA laser

 

[UltrafastPED]

Or a pin-hole in a dark room; coherent light sources existed prior to the invention of the laser!

Any distant, steady source when introduced via a pinhole should work. For example, the sun, or a gas discharge tube.

 

[sardar]

Dear NeoXx,

Thank you for sharing your experiment with me. The diffraction grating of a CD and DVD is a fascinating subject to study. The spacing of tracks on these optical disks can give us valuable information about their storage capacity and potential improvements.

In addition to determining the spacing of tracks, you could also investigate the diffraction efficiency of the grating on the CD and DVD. This would involve measuring the intensity of the diffracted light at different angles and comparing it to the intensity of the incident light. This would give you insights into the efficiency of the grating and how it affects the data storage on the optical disk.

Furthermore, you could also explore the relationship between the spacing of tracks and the diffraction pattern produced by the grating. This could involve using mathematical equations such as the diffraction grating equation and analyzing the results to better understand the diffraction properties of the CD and DVD.

Overall, your experiment has the potential to provide valuable insights into the physical properties of optical disks and their potential for future improvements. I wish you all the best in your research.

Best regards,