How far apart can slits be in double slit experiment to still show interference?

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SUMMARY

The double slit experiment demonstrates that the distance between slits must be comparable to the wavelength of light to produce an observable interference pattern. As the slit separation increases beyond this threshold, the interference pattern diminishes, resulting in narrower maxima that are spaced closer together. Eventually, the pattern becomes imperceptible to both the human eye and detectors due to insufficient resolution. This phenomenon underscores the critical relationship between slit separation and wavelength in wave interference.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave-particle duality
  • Familiarity with the principles of interference patterns
  • Knowledge of light wavelengths
  • Basic concepts of optical resolution
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between slit separation and wavelength in wave optics
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of interference patterns
  • Study the effects of optical resolution on interference visibility
  • Investigate variations of the double slit experiment with different light sources
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Physics students, educators, optical engineers, and anyone interested in wave optics and the principles of interference.

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About how far apart can the slits get, in the double slit experiment, and still show the interference pattern?
 
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It should be comparable to the wavelength of the light. If you increase it to values significantly higher than that, there will be no interference pattern. In fact the pattern becomes smaller and smaller until at first your eyes and then your detectors don't have the required resolution to perceive it.
 
Shyan said:
In fact the pattern becomes smaller and smaller

More precisely, the maxima (peaks) become narrower and narrower, and spaced closer and closer together.
 

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