Order Maxima under the Fraunhofer Envelope

In summary, using a spectrometer to observe the order spectrum of mercury reveals multiple orders, each containing an array of color bands. In the image provided, it is unclear whether each Fraunhofer envelope represents one order or if each line under the envelopes represents one order. The same can be seen in the order spectrum of hydrogen, where the spectral lines separate further away from each other after each order. In double interference with finite width of the slits, it is important to distinguish between diffraction order and interference order. This is because the intensity pattern on the screen is a product of the single diffraction pattern from a slit with non-zero width and the double slit interference pattern. The peaks of the envelope correspond to a given diffraction order
  • #1
Zibi04
Let's say we are using a spectrometer to observe the order spectrum of mercury, a polychromatic source.
Each order contains a an array of colour bands.
In the case of the following image: http://imgur.com/a/bnm9r , I was wondering if each Fraunhofer envelope represented one order, (m = 1 , 2 , 3 ...) or if each line under the envelopes represent each order, where the central line in the first envelope is the central maxima.

Also, the following picture is the order spectrum of hydrogen http://imgur.com/a/DkrJC
Why is it that after each order, the spectral lines separate further away from each other?
 
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  • #2
In a double interference with finite width of the slits, it's useful to distinguish between diffraction order and interference order. The reason is that the intensity pattern as seen in the screen is a product between the single diffraction pattern from a slit with non-zero width and the double slit (but zero slit width) interference pattern. Some books called this product rule the array theorem. The envelope is the diffraction pattern from a single slit, therefore the peaks of the envelope correspond to a given diffraction order.
 
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1. What is the Fraunhofer Envelope?

The Fraunhofer Envelope is a term used in diffraction theory to describe the intensity pattern produced by a narrow aperture or slit. It is characterized by a central maximum and a series of smaller maxima and minima on either side.

2. What are Order Maxima under the Fraunhofer Envelope?

Order maxima are the points of highest intensity within the Fraunhofer Envelope pattern. They occur at regular intervals and are labeled with integer values starting from the central maximum, which is considered the 0th order.

3. How are Order Maxima calculated in the Fraunhofer Envelope?

The position of an order maximum is determined by the wavelength of the incident light, the distance between the slit and the screen, and the width of the slit. The equation for calculating the position is given by:
xn = nλL/d, where xn is the position of the nth order maximum, λ is the wavelength, L is the distance between the slit and the screen, and d is the width of the slit.

4. What is the significance of Order Maxima under the Fraunhofer Envelope?

Order maxima play an important role in understanding the diffraction pattern produced by a narrow slit. They allow scientists to determine the wavelength of incident light and the size of the slit. Additionally, the presence or absence of order maxima can provide information about the properties of the material used for the slit.

5. How is the Fraunhofer Envelope used in scientific research?

The Fraunhofer Envelope is used in various fields of science, such as physics, optics, and materials science, to study and analyze diffraction patterns. It can provide valuable information about the physical and optical properties of materials, as well as the behavior of light. The Fraunhofer Envelope is also used in the design and development of instruments such as spectrometers and microscopes.

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