Single-sit vs. Double-slit vs. Diffraction grating

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the distinguishing characteristics of interference patterns produced by single-slit, double-slit, and diffraction grating setups. The single-slit pattern features a taller, broader central maximum, while the double-slit pattern exhibits a more intense, narrower central maximum with equally spaced, less intense secondary maxima. In contrast, the diffraction grating produces narrow, tall maxima and broader minima. The participants clarify the concept of "tall" in relation to the elongation of maxima and the intensity profile of the envelope, which remains consistent across all setups when the slit dimensions are identical.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave interference principles
  • Familiarity with single-slit and double-slit experiments
  • Knowledge of diffraction grating concepts
  • Basic grasp of intensity profiles in wave patterns
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of single-slit diffraction patterns
  • Explore the differences in intensity profiles for various slit configurations
  • Learn about the applications of diffraction gratings in spectroscopy
  • Investigate the impact of slit width and spacing on interference patterns
USEFUL FOR

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

kamhogo
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Homework Statement


Briefly state one characteristic of single-slit /double-slit/diffraction grating interference pattern that allow you to clearly distinguish one from the others.

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution


Single-slit:
Taller, broader central maximum.Double-slit:
More intense, narrower central maximum that single-slit interference.
Less intense, broader (than grating), equally spaced maxima.

Diffraction grating
Narrow, tall maxima. Broader minima.
I don't think my answers are complete or correct or if they answer the question properly. I also have trouble understanding the reasons why those differences occur.
 
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Most are correct, I just don't understand what you mean by tall?
 
blue_leaf77 said:
Most are correct, I just don't understand what you mean by tall?
Which aren't correct? By tall I mean than they are more elongated. The central maximum seems to keep the same height when you switch from single-slit/double-slit interference to diffraction grating interference but the secondary maxima get more elongated. The envelope is less of a dome and closer to a line...
 
My reservation is on the tallness that you are talking about. Elongated in which direction? Is it in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fringes span?
kamhogo said:
The envelope is less of a dome and closer to a line...
The envelope actually corresponds to the intensity profile from a single slit, therefore if in those three cases the single slit size (length and height) can be assumed to be identical, then the envelope should be the same for all of them.
 
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blue_leaf77 said:
My reservation is on the tallness that you are talking about. Elongated in which direction? Is it in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fringes span?

The envelope actually corresponds to the intensity profile from a single slit, therefore if in those three cases the single slit size (length and height) can be assumed to be identical, then the envelope should be the same for all of them.
Thanks for the feedback. I understand it all a little better now.
 

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