Two Diffraction Gratings - Rotation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the generation of rectangular light patterns using two diffraction gratings that are rotated relative to each other. Hunter describes the mathematical prediction of the resulting patterns, noting that a 90-degree rotation between the gratings leads to the initial splitting of light into three rays, which further split into three additional rays at the second grating layer. The conversation also touches on the potential influence of polarization on the observed patterns, although the specifics of the laser construction remain unclear.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of diffraction grating principles
  • Familiarity with laser optics and beam propagation
  • Basic knowledge of polarization effects in light
  • Mathematical skills for analyzing light patterns
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical models for predicting diffraction patterns from multiple gratings
  • Explore the effects of polarization on light behavior in optical systems
  • Study the construction and design of laser systems for pattern generation
  • Investigate the differences between single-axis and double-axis diffraction gratings
USEFUL FOR

Optical engineers, physicists, and students studying laser technology and diffraction phenomena will benefit from this discussion.

Hunter235711
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Can someone explain how the laser pointer is generating the rectangular patterns shown in this youtube video?

I assume that there are just two diffraction gratings that are rotated relative to each other, but could someone explain mathematically how to predict what pattern is formed for different rotation angles?

Thanks,
Hunter
 
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Think the image I handcrafted hastely attached could explain it.
Believe there are two diffraction grating layers, and for the 90 degree rotation from one another, you'd see the light splitting at first into 3 rays diverging, and each ray of that splits again at the second diffraction grating layer, into 3, this time vertically instead of horizontally.
The diffraction gratings in the image are of a single axis, that video shows a double axis diffraction.

There could also be polarization to be taken into account, though. Frankly I don't know how the laser in the video was built.
 

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