Wave optics interference and diffraction

In summary, light passing through a single obstruction (e.g. a single hair) experiences destructive interference, in contrast to constructive interference when light passes through two obstructions.
  • #1
tink123
4
0
Imagine you are trying to measure the width of a single strand of spider web. You have fastened the web to the slide, only rather than mounting the strand vertically as you did with the hair, you have mounted it horizontally. You illuminate the strand with a 650nm laser and project the resulting interference patter onto the wall where you have fastened this piece of paper such that the interference patter strikes within the box below. Given that the strand is 65 um wide and is loacated 2 meters from the wall, draw the resulting interference pattern you would see in the box provided. Draw the pattern to scale in the correct orientation. Include only the m= -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 maxima (bright spots). Indicate the distance between each adjacent maximum.

Okay i have no idea how to do this! someone please help! thank you...
 
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  • #2
This diffraction pattern will follow the same logic as the diffraction pattern created by light shining through two slits.
 
  • #3
thank you!
 
  • #4
What??

A Single obstruction is more like a single opening than like a double opening.

The angles of course are vertical, with the central max in the middle of the shadow.
(see "Poisson's spot" in the index for nice photos)
 
  • #5
lightgrav said:
What??

A Single obstruction is more like a single opening than like a double opening.

The angles of course are vertical, with the central max in the middle of the shadow.
(see "Poisson's spot" in the index for nice photos)
Hmm you're right. I just did the experiment with my own hair. The central fringe is twice as wide as the higher order fringes which indicates that it is following the (counterintuitive) logic of the single gap diffraction pattern. (counterintuitive in that you get destructive, not constructive, interference at the point where light from the two sides of the barrier have a difference in path length of exactly one wavelength).

Gosh I hope tink comes back!:blushing:
 
  • #6
don't worry i figured it out! thanks again!
 

Related to Wave optics interference and diffraction

What is wave optics interference?

Wave optics interference is a phenomenon where two or more waves superimpose on each other, creating a resulting wave with a different amplitude, phase, or direction. This can occur with any type of wave, including light, sound, and water waves.

What is the difference between interference and diffraction?

Interference occurs when two or more waves overlap and create a new wave with characteristics different from the individual waves. Diffraction, on the other hand, is the bending of waves around an obstacle or through a narrow opening. Both phenomena are related to the wave nature of light, but they are distinct processes.

What is the double-slit experiment and why is it important?

The double-slit experiment is a classic experiment that demonstrates the wave nature of light. It involves shining a light source through two narrow slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen. This experiment has helped us understand the fundamentals of wave optics and has been used to support the wave theory of light.

How does the wavelength of light affect interference and diffraction?

The wavelength of light is directly related to the amount of diffraction and interference that occurs. As the wavelength decreases, the amount of diffraction and interference increases. This is because shorter wavelengths are more easily diffracted and can create more intricate interference patterns.

What are some practical applications of wave optics interference and diffraction?

Wave optics interference and diffraction have a wide range of practical applications, including optical instruments such as microscopes and telescopes, holography, and spectroscopy. They are also important in the fields of fiber optics, laser technology, and imaging techniques used in medical and scientific research.

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