Fraunhoffer Diffraction

[kihr]

I need some help in understanding the effect of change in intensity of the central maxima in respect of a single slit illuminated by monochromatic light when:

(a) the width of the slit is increased / decreased

(b) the distance of the screen from the slit is increased / decreased

(c) the wavelength of light is increased / decreased

Thanks.

 

[Andy Resnick]

The Frauhnofer diffraction pattern is the Fourier transform of the aperture. Looking at the scaling rules for the Fourier Transform will answer your questions.

 

[kihr]

Would it be possible to translate the above into simple formulas? Thanks.

 

[Andy Resnick]

It depends on what you mean by 'simple'. There's plenty of online information.

 

[jtbell]

What formulas do you know that involve the intensity of the light in a single-slit Fraunhofer diffraction pattern?