How Does Diffraction Grating Reveal CD and DVD Storage Capacities?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on an experiment investigating the diffraction grating of CDs and DVDs to determine the spacing of tracks and the information storage capacities of these optical disks. Participants explore potential mathematical relationships and comparisons between the two formats, as well as suggestions for improvements to optical disks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • NeoXx proposes to investigate the diffraction grating of CDs and DVDs to find track spacing and storage capacities, and seeks additional insights or mathematical relationships related to the experiment.
  • Some participants suggest using the diffraction grating equation and a well-collimated beam of coherent light, such as a laser, for the experiment.
  • Another participant mentions that coherent light sources existed before lasers and suggests using a pinhole in a dark room or other distant steady sources like the sun or a gas discharge tube.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the use of the diffraction grating equation and the need for coherent light sources, but there are differing views on the types of light sources that can be used.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential assumptions about the coherence of light sources and the specific conditions required for accurate measurements, which are not fully explored in the discussion.

NeoXx
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Hello,


I have to do an experiment in which I will investigate the diffraction grating of a CD
and a DVD. I want to find out the spacing of tracks on both of them and thus find how much information can be stored. Also I want to compare them (density of tracks etc.) and maybe even suggest further improvements to optical disks.

Is there anything else I could find out in this experiment? Perhaps some mathematical relationship?


Regards,

NeoXx
 
Science news on Phys.org
Or a pin-hole in a dark room; coherent light sources existed prior to the invention of the laser!

Any distant, steady source when introduced via a pinhole should work. For example, the sun, or a gas discharge tube.
 

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