Interference of light Intensity

AI Thread Summary
An interference pattern is generated by light of wavelength 490nm passing through two parallel slits separated by 0.630mm. The angular positions for the first and second lateral maxima are calculated as theta1 = 7.78 x 10^(-4) rad and theta2 = 1.55 x 10^(-3) rad. To determine the intensity at these positions, the effects of diffraction must be considered, as they influence the intensity distribution. The relevant equations for intensity include both interference and diffraction factors. Understanding this relationship is crucial for accurately calculating the intensity at the specified angular positions.
mbnMecha
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An Interference pattern is produced by light of wavelength 490nm from a distant source incident on two identical parallel slits separated by a distance (between centers) of d=0.630mm.
a) If the slits were very narrow what would be the angular position theta1 and theta2 of the first and second lateral interference maxima?
b)Let the slits have width a=0.42 mm. In terms of the intensity I0 at the center of the central maximum, what is the intensity at each of the angular positions theta1 and theta2


Homework Equations


Intensity of light during diffraction:
I=Im (sinx/x)^2 where I am is the max intensity and x=phase difference/2 = (pi*a*sin(theta))/wavelength
Intensity of light during interference
I=4I0cos^2(z) where z = phasedifference/2 = (pi*d*sin(theta))/wavelength

Intensity of light during double slit diffraction
I=Imcos^2(z)*(sinx/x)^2)

The Attempt at a Solution


I have solved for theta1 and theta2 and got:
theta1=7.78 x 10^(-4) rd
theta2= 1.55 x 10^(-3) rdWhat I can't seem to understand is how to find part the intensities in part b. the question does not mention whether we should take the Effects of diffraction into consideration and I don't know what formula to use. what should I do?
 
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mbnMecha said:
What I can't seem to understand is how to find part the intensities in part b. the question does not mention whether we should take the Effects of diffraction into consideration
You have to take them into account, otherwise there won't be an intensity change. This diffraction is an interference effect as well, by the way.
mbnMecha said:
and I don't know what formula to use.
The one you have posted.
 
mfb said:
You have to take them into account, otherwise there won't be an intensity change. This diffraction is an interference effect as well, by the way.The one you have posted.
I have posted 3 equations.. does that mean I have to consider the equation with both the interference and the diffraction factors? thanks in advance.
 
Well, you know the result of the "interference formula" already: you are calculating the intensity of a maximum.
 
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