Help with single slit diffraction (fraunhoffer)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the principles of single slit diffraction, specifically the condition for minima described by the equation a*sin(θ) = m*λ, where 'a' is the slit width, 'θ' is the angle of diffraction, 'm' is the order of the minimum, and 'λ' is the wavelength of light. Participants clarify that when the path difference equals a full wavelength, it results in destructive interference due to the light from opposite ends of the slit being out of phase by half a wavelength. This contrasts with double slit interference, where constructive interference occurs under different conditions.

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  • Understanding of wave optics principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of interference patterns
  • Knowledge of the relationship between wavelength and slit dimensions
  • Basic grasp of trigonometric functions as they apply to diffraction
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  • Explore the differences between single slit and double slit interference patterns
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urgent Help with single slit diffraction (fraunhoffer)

why is it a minimum at a*sin ([tex]\theta[/tex]) = m*[tex]\lambda[/tex],

a = slit separation I would have thought if the path difference is equal to a whole wavelength then there would be constructive interference??

See http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html
 
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Don't confuse the double slit interference condition (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/slits.html#c1").

In the single slit condition, when the light from opposite ends of the slit have a full wavelength phase difference, that means that half the light from the slit is exactly one half wavelength out of phase with the other half. Which mean destructive interference.
 
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