Fraunhoffer Diffraction

In summary, the conversation discusses the effect of changes in intensity of the central maxima in the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern for a single slit illuminated by monochromatic light. The questions include the impact of changing the slit width, screen distance, and light wavelength on the pattern. The answer is found by examining the scaling rules for the Fourier Transform, and there is plenty of information available online that includes formulas involving the intensity of light in this type of diffraction pattern.
  • #1
kihr
102
0
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.
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
The Frauhnofer diffraction pattern is the Fourier transform of the aperture. Looking at the scaling rules for the Fourier Transform will answer your questions.
 
  • #3
Would it be possible to translate the above into simple formulas? Thanks.
 
  • #4
It depends on what you mean by 'simple'. There's plenty of online information.
 
  • #5
What formulas do you know that involve the intensity of the light in a single-slit Fraunhofer diffraction pattern?
 

1. What is Fraunhoffer Diffraction?

Fraunhoffer Diffraction is a type of diffraction that occurs when a coherent light source passes through a single slit or a multiple slit system. It is named after Joseph von Fraunhofer, who first described this phenomenon in the early 19th century.

2. How does Fraunhoffer Diffraction occur?

Fraunhoffer Diffraction occurs when light waves pass through a narrow slit or a series of slits, causing the light to bend and spread out. This bending of light is known as diffraction, and the resulting pattern of light and dark bands is called a diffraction pattern.

3. What factors affect Fraunhoffer Diffraction?

The factors that affect Fraunhoffer Diffraction include the size and shape of the slit or slits, the wavelength of the light, and the distance between the light source and the screen on which the diffraction pattern is observed.

4. What is the difference between Fraunhoffer Diffraction and Fresnel Diffraction?

The main difference between Fraunhoffer Diffraction and Fresnel Diffraction is the distance between the light source and the diffracting object. In Fraunhoffer Diffraction, the distance is large enough that the light can be considered as parallel, while in Fresnel Diffraction, the distance is small enough that the light waves diverge from the source.

5. What are some practical applications of Fraunhoffer Diffraction?

Fraunhoffer Diffraction has many practical applications, including in the design of optical instruments such as microscopes and telescopes, in the study of crystal structures in materials, and in the field of spectroscopy, which is used to analyze the composition of substances based on their diffraction patterns.

Similar threads

I Single-slit diffraction experiment and the conservation of energy
    • Optics
Replies
20
Views
2K
I Can n-slit interference produce subwavelength stripes?
    • Optics
Replies
6
Views
784
I How does the double-slit pattern change depending on the slits?
    • Optics
Replies
30
Views
3K
I Calculating Intensity in Single Slit Diffraction Experiments
    • Optics
Replies
17
Views
2K
Single Slit Diffraction and Interference Maxima
    • Optics
Replies
4
Views
2K
More slits, farther maxima of interference patterns, why?
    • Optics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Thin slits and accuracy of Kirchhoff's diffraction formula
    • Optics
Replies
17
Views
2K
I How Can One Derive the Diffraction Pattern Formula from a 1D Aperture?
    • Optics
Replies
2
Views
943
How can I find the width of the central diffraction maximum.
    • Optics
Replies
1
Views
9K
Constant intensity maxima in double-slit interference ?
    • Optics
Replies
8
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top