Recalling the Equation for Slit Width in a Double Slit Interference Experiment

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter KBriggs
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The equation for the slit width in a double slit interference experiment is derived from the relationship involving the fringe width (W), the distance from the slits to the screen (D), the wavelength of light (λ), and the slit separation (S). The formula is expressed as W = (Dλ)/S. This equation is crucial for understanding how the slit width affects the interference pattern, particularly in relation to the angle theta at which the interference maxima occur.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of double slit interference principles
  • Familiarity with wave properties of light, specifically wavelength (λ)
  • Knowledge of basic geometry related to angles and distances in experimental setups
  • Ability to interpret and manipulate mathematical equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of the double slit interference equation
  • Explore the impact of varying slit widths on interference patterns
  • Learn about measuring wavelength using diffraction patterns
  • Investigate experimental setups for double slit experiments
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and researchers interested in wave optics and interference phenomena will benefit from this discussion.

KBriggs
Messages
29
Reaction score
0
Hey all,

I need to get the equation for the slit width in a double slit interference experiment (not the distance between slits) that depends on the angle theta to the intferference maxima, and any distances involved in the typical setup. I found one on the forum that involves the intensity of the maxima, but I have no way to measure intensity. Any help?
 
Science news on Phys.org
KBriggs said:
Hey all,

I need to get the equation for the slit width in a double slit interference experiment (not the distance between slits) that depends on the angle theta to the intferference maxima, and any distances involved in the typical setup. I found one on the forum that involves the intensity of the maxima, but I have no way to measure intensity. Any help?

well do you mean fringe width over here..!if yes then equation goes like this..

W = (Dλ)/S

Where,
W= fringe width
D=distance from slits to screen
λ= WAVELENGTH of light
S=slit separation(distance between the slits)..

I hope this is the formula you were looking for.
 
Not the fringe width, but the size of the two slits. ie, the size of the larger gaps in the little diagram here.
|
|
|
|

|
|
|

|
|
|
|
 

Similar threads

High School Explanation for bright fringes in Single Slit Diffraction
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad How does the double-slit pattern change depending on the slits?
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
6K
Undergrad Why find the highest order maxima/minima in slit equations?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Can n-slit interference produce subwavelength stripes?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad How to improve the accuracy of Young's double slit experiment?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Graduate Single Slit Diffraction and Interference Maxima
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Double slit displaying anti-fringes?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
21K
Undergrad Calculating Intensity in Single Slit Diffraction Experiments
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Undergrad More slits, farther maxima of interference patterns, why?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School Slit Distance - Young's Double Slit Experiment
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K