- #1
member 529879
Why is it that when you shine a laser through a slit, it has the pattern that it does!
Understanding the Light Pattern of a Laser Through a Slit
In summary, when a laser is shined through a slit, it creates a pattern due to interference of the light waves passing through different parts of the slit. This can be calculated using various methods such as graphical or integral calculus. Similar patterns can also be seen with water waves passing through single or double slits.
- #2
crador
- 94
- 11
What kind of laser?
What kind of slit?
What kind of pattern?
When I shine a laser pointer through a 1cm slit it makes a single dot pattern on the wall, as expected.
I suspect you are asking about the double slit experiment, or some kind of spectral scattering through a grid of slits though.
What kind of slit?
What kind of pattern?
When I shine a laser pointer through a 1cm slit it makes a single dot pattern on the wall, as expected.
I suspect you are asking about the double slit experiment, or some kind of spectral scattering through a grid of slits though.
- #3
- #4
jtbell
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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Scheuerf said:
The light waves passing through different parts of the slit interfere with each other, and the result is that pattern. Here's an overview:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/sinslitd.html#c1
And here's a graphical method for calculating the intensity pattern:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/sinint.html#c1
You can also use integral calculus to calculate it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraunhofer_diffraction_(mathematics)#Solution_by_integration
- #5
stedwards
- 416
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Something similar. water waves thought single and double slit
1. How does a laser beam pass through a slit?
When a laser beam is directed towards a slit, it will diffract and spread out as it passes through the narrow opening. The light waves will interact with the edges of the slit, causing interference patterns to form. This results in a diffraction pattern that is characteristic of the shape and size of the slit.
2. What is the purpose of studying the light pattern of a laser through a slit?
Understanding the light pattern of a laser through a slit is important for various applications, such as in optical instruments, diffraction grating, and optical communication systems. It also helps us gain a better understanding of the properties of light and its behavior in different situations.
3. How does the width of the slit affect the laser's light pattern?
The width of the slit has a direct impact on the diffraction pattern of the laser. A narrower slit will result in a wider diffraction pattern, while a wider slit will result in a narrower diffraction pattern. This is because the narrower the slit, the more interference and diffraction occur, resulting in a more spread-out pattern.
4. Can the color of the laser affect its light pattern through a slit?
Yes, the color (or wavelength) of the laser can affect its light pattern through a slit. This is because different wavelengths of light have different properties and will interact differently with the edges of the slit, leading to variations in the diffraction pattern.
5. How does the distance between the laser and the slit impact the light pattern?
The distance between the laser and the slit affects the size and intensity of the diffraction pattern. The farther away the laser is from the slit, the larger and dimmer the pattern will be. As the laser gets closer to the slit, the pattern becomes smaller and brighter. This is due to the changing angles of diffraction as the distance changes.