Angular Position of 1st Dark Fringe in Two-Slit Interference Pattern?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angular position of the first dark fringe in a two-slit interference pattern created by a blue laser beam with a wavelength of 470nm. The slits are separated by 0.2mm, and the screen is located 2m away. The correct formula for determining the position of dark fringes is dsin(theta) = (n + 1/2)(lambda), where n is the order of the dark fringe. The small angle approximation can be applied in this scenario due to the relatively small angles involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of two-slit interference patterns
  • Familiarity with the wave nature of light
  • Knowledge of the small angle approximation
  • Basic trigonometry, specifically sine and tangent functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of the two-slit interference formula for dark fringes
  • Learn about the small angle approximation and its applications in optics
  • Explore the effects of varying slit separation on interference patterns
  • Investigate the impact of wavelength changes on fringe spacing in interference patterns
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding interference patterns and their mathematical foundations.

NelielSwann
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Homework Statement


A blue laser beam of wavelength 470nm (in air) is incident on two narrow slits separated by .2mm and produces an interference pattern on a screen located 2m away from the two slits.

Find the angular position (in degrees) of the 1st dark fringe. Can you use the small angle approximation?


Homework Equations


dsin(theta)=n(lambda)
tan(theta)= y/L



The Attempt at a Solution


I've searched all over for a formula to find the dark fringes, but all i can find is one for the light ones. the dsin(theta)=n(lambda) is used for the maxima. what formula do i use for the minima/dark fringes?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For dark fringes use dsin(theta)=(n + 1/2 )(lambda)
 
For two-slit interference, the minima are halfway in between the maxima.
 

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