Double Slit Experiment with a Medium in front of the slits

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effects of introducing a medium with a higher refractive index than air in front of the slits in the Double Slit Experiment. It is established that the interference fringes will indeed become narrower due to the reduction in wavelength as light passes through the medium. The relationship between fringe separation and wavelength is confirmed, indicating that shorter wavelengths result in closer fringe spacing. Thus, the presence of a higher refractive index medium leads to a more compact interference pattern.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Double Slit Experiment
  • Knowledge of wave optics principles
  • Familiarity with refractive index concepts
  • Basic grasp of wavelength and its relationship to light behavior in different media
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical relationship between wavelength and refractive index
  • Explore the implications of varying refractive indices on interference patterns
  • Study the effects of different wavelengths of light on fringe separation
  • Investigate advanced applications of the Double Slit Experiment in quantum mechanics
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Students of physics, optical engineers, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of wave behavior and interference patterns in light.

sqljunkey
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Hi,

I was wondering what would happen with the interference pattern if I had a medium with higher refractive index than air in front of the slits. Would the interference fringes become narrower?
 
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You can probably answer that question yourself. How does the separation between fringes depend on the wavelength? What happens to the wavelength when the light goes through a medium?
 
I know that the wavelength becomes shorter while going through the medium and and the interference fringes of the slits are narrower for shorter wave lengths, so narrower in the end?
 

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