Light intensity through 2 slits

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the interference pattern created by monochromatic light of wavelength 620nm passing through two narrow slits, S1 and S2, with a distance L of 12dm between the slits and a point P where intensity is measured. When both slits are open, the intensity at point P is three times greater than when only one slit is open. The challenge is to determine the minimum distance d between the slits that results in this intensity ratio, utilizing the relationship between phase difference and intensity, specifically that intensity is proportional to the square of the electric field amplitude.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave interference principles
  • Familiarity with phase difference calculations
  • Knowledge of intensity and electric field relationships
  • Basic proficiency in trigonometry and algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate phase difference for two-slit interference patterns
  • Explore the relationship between electric field amplitude and intensity
  • Investigate the derivation of intensity ratios in interference experiments
  • Learn about the application of phasors in wave interference analysis
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in wave interference phenomena, particularly in the context of light and slit experiments.

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Homework Statement



Monochromatic light of wavelength 620nm is going through a very narrow gap through the first curtain,then encounters a second curtain that is parallel with the first in which there are two parallel narrow slits S1 and S2 as shown in Fig. Slit S1 is located at the point of the second curtain that is closest point S, and S2 is d away from the S1. At point P, which is equidistant from the S1 and S2 we measure the intensity of the light and get the same intensity in both cases when only one of the leaked S1 and S2 is open, while in the case when both are open, we get 3 times greater the intensity. Determine the minimum distance d of slits, when the slits S and S1 are at distance L = 12dm.

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Homework Equations



path/vave length=phase difference/2*pi

The intensity is proportional to the electric wave squared

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to solve this using phasors, but in the end I am left with the equation containing the unknown term of phase difference (which contains the distance between the slits) and the intensity of a single slit. Am I doing it right?
 
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Welcome to PF! You have a difficult problem here and I am only offering a suggestion because it is about to fall off the first page and the real experts may not see it on page 2. If there was no phase difference for the two slits, you would get double the E field strength so, 4 times the intensity, wouldn't you? I'm sure you remember this better than I do! If so, then the next question is what phase difference will give 3 times the intensity or sqrt(3) times the E. It will be something like
E+E*sin(θ) = E*sqrt(3) I would think. Solve that for θ and then figure out what distance d will give you that phase angle for the S to S2 minus the S to S1 distance.
 
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