Distance between light source and slits in the double slit

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SUMMARY

The distance between the light source and the slits in a double slit experiment significantly affects the interference pattern observed. A coherent light source, such as a laser, ensures that the optical path remains equal for both slits, which is crucial for producing a clear interference pattern. As the distance increases, factors such as collimation and impurities in the medium can distort the pattern. Utilizing a lens system can also help maintain coherence and improve the quality of the interference pattern.

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  • Familiarity with laser technology
  • Basic principles of wave interference
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sqljunkey
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Hi,

Does the distance between the light source and the slits matter? Does the interference pattern change if you move the light source closer or further from the slits?

I read from this link that the collimation of the light changes with distance and that affects the interference pattern, and also the further the light source is the more impurities there will be between the light source and the slits and that will interfere with the pattern we see.

https://physics.stackexchange.com/q...ght-and-distance-between-the-slits-is-changed
 
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sqljunkey said:
Does the distance between the light source and the slits matter?
Yes. The simple formula assumes that the two sources are totally coherent. That means the optical path from the (Infinitely narrow) source slit is equal for the two slits (and across them). One way to ensure this is to have the source at great distance behind. Alternatively, a lens system can be used.
Using a laser source takes care of that and it also gives a good monochromatic wave which produces a good pattern.
 

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