Intensity of light in Fraunhofer diffraction pattern

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the condition for maximum intensity in the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of a single slit, represented by the equation I=I0(sinγ/γ)², where γ=πasinθ/λ. Participants explore the differentiation of the intensity function to find critical points, specifically aiming to show that tanγ=γ at maximum intensity. The process involves applying the chain rule and quotient rule to differentiate the intensity function with respect to γ. Ultimately, the relationship between sinγ, cosγ, and tanγ is emphasized as crucial for solving the problem. The conversation highlights the complexity of the differentiation process and the importance of understanding trigonometric identities in this context.
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Homework Statement



The intensity of light I in the fraunhofer diffraction patter of a single slit is

I=I0(sin\gamma/\gamma)2 where

\gamma=\piasin\theta/\lambda


Show that the equation for the vaules of \gamma at which I is maximum is tan\gamma=\gamma


well, intensity is approxiamately max as follows

Im=I0/[(m+1/2)2\pi2]

and for m=1... Im=0.0472I0
m=2...I0=0.0165I0

but i have no clue how to "show" that tan\gamma=\gamma at the max intensity??
 
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How do you find the maximum points of a function?

ehild
 
differentiate!
 
but what?

differential of I is I'=I0(-2sinx2/x3)

differential of \gamma is \gamma'=\piacos\theta/\lambda

for general functions the process is differentiate function and sub in zero's for critical points.

so in this case would i use I' and then sub in \gamma=0?

but that comes up with zero?
 
ProPatto16 said:
but what?

differential of I is I'=I0(-2sinx2/x3)

differential of \gamma is \gamma'=\piacos\theta/\lambda

No. The problem asks the places of maximum in terms of gamma. Differentiate the intensity with respect to γ. Apply chain rule for the square of sin(γ)/γ, then you have a fraction, and you have to differentiate sin(γ), too. No need to differentiate gamma with respect to theta.

ehild
 
With u=sin(Y)/Y
I=Io*u^2
u'=-sin(Y)/Y^2
I'= Io*2u
So
I' with respect to gamme is =Io*2sin(Y)/Y*-sin(Y)/Y^2

=Io*-2[(sinY)^2]/Y^3
...
 
sin(γ)/γ is a fraction. What is the derivative of f/g?

ehild
 
eh of course,
sin(Y)/Y derivitive, let g=sinY then g'=cosY
h=Y and h'=1
y'=(YcosY-Y)/Y2
 
then = (Y(cosY-1))/Y2

so = (cosY-1)/Y
 
  • #10
then subbing back into I'

I'=2I0*(sin(Y)/Y)*((cosY-1)/Y)

but tan = sin/cos.

i can see its getting closer...
 
  • #11
not sure what to do next, and the only way i can see to get cos on the bottom of the fraction is to change the two functions for quotient rule but then it wouldn't match the rule.. help?
 
  • #12
ProPatto16 said:
eh of course,
sin(Y)/Y derivitive, let g=sinY then g'=cosY
h=Y and h'=1
y'=(YcosY-Y)/Y2


y'=(γcosγ -sinγ )/γ2.

ehild
 
  • #13
Oh god. Way to feel dumb -.- thanks mate
 
  • #14
So I'= 2I0*(sinY/Y)*((YcosY-sinY)/Y2)

thats with u=sinY/Y so then I'=2I0*u*du/dY which is from above.

i tried subbing in tanY for Y but it doesn't work out to zero?

to "show" that tanY=Y is a max, then I'=0...
 
  • #15
You do not need that "u". I'=0 either when sinγ/γ=0 or γcosγ-sinγ=0, that is, γcosγ=sinγ, divide both side with cosγ, ... Do you know how tanγ is related to sinγ and cosγ?


ehild
 
  • #16
oh. of course. had absolutely no vision for this question. thanks for your help. very much.
 
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