Why Do Some Diffraction Orders Go Missing?

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In summary, diffraction orders may go missing due to various factors such as the limitations of the diffraction grating, the wavelength of light used, and the angle of incidence. This phenomenon can also be affected by the spacing between the grating lines and the order of diffraction. Additionally, missing orders can be caused by interference patterns and the nature of the light source. Overall, understanding the reasons behind missing diffraction orders is crucial in accurately interpreting diffraction patterns and analyzing the properties of light.
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prashant07
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Explain the concept of missing orders in case of double and n slit diffraction.
 
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We say that an order of diffraction is missing if it disappears as a consequence of the overlapping of the interference and the diffraction patterns.

On a screen, intensity from interference has all its maxims at the same level (like a cosine), while intensity for diffraction goes like a sinc (sin(x)/x), so that it gradually tends to 0. The sinc has several zeros (when sin(x)=0 except from x=0), and if one of these zeros overlaps a maximum of interference, we see nothing.
So, there is missing order.

Interference depends on the distance between the slits, while diffraction depends on the width of the slits.

For more info, you can read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_slit
 
  • #3
We say that an order of diffraction is missing if it disappears as a consequence of the overlapping of the interference and the diffraction patterns.

On a screen, intensity from interference has all its maxims at the same level (like a cosine), while intensity for diffraction goes like a sinc (sin(x)/x), so that it gradually tends to 0. The sinc has several zeros (when sin(x)=0 except from x=0), and if one of these zeros overlaps a maximum of interference, we see nothing.
So, there is missing order.

Interference depends on the distance between the slits, while diffraction depends on the width of the slits.

For more info, you can read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_slit
 

1. What are missing orders in diffraction?

Missing orders in diffraction refer to the phenomenon where certain diffraction peaks are absent or significantly reduced in intensity compared to what is expected based on the crystal structure. This occurs when the diffraction pattern is not consistent with the theoretical diffraction pattern predicted by the crystal structure, leading to missing or weak peaks.

2. What causes missing orders in diffraction?

Missing orders in diffraction can be caused by a variety of factors, including crystal defects such as dislocations or stacking faults, sample preparation errors, and instrumental limitations. These factors can affect the diffraction pattern and cause certain peaks to be missing or weaker than expected.

3. How do missing orders affect the interpretation of a diffraction pattern?

Missing orders in diffraction can affect the interpretation of a diffraction pattern by providing valuable information about the crystal structure and potential defects within the crystal. The presence or absence of certain diffraction peaks can help scientists identify the type and location of defects within the crystal.

4. Can missing orders be corrected?

In some cases, missing orders in diffraction can be corrected by refining the crystal structure, improving sample preparation techniques, or using specialized equipment such as synchrotron radiation. However, in other cases, missing orders may be inherent to the crystal structure and cannot be corrected.

5. How are missing orders in diffraction studied?

Missing orders in diffraction are studied using various diffraction techniques such as X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, and neutron diffraction. These techniques allow scientists to analyze the diffraction pattern and identify any missing orders, providing insights into the crystal structure and potential defects that may be present.

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