Why Is Huygens Construction Not Used for Double Slit Diffraction?

AI Thread Summary
Huygens construction is commonly applied to single slit diffraction but is not used for double slit diffraction due to the complexity of the interference patterns involved. The double slit pattern arises from the superposition of two single slit patterns, which can complicate the analysis. While some argue that applying Huygens' principle to double slits could overcomplicate the explanation, others suggest it could still provide insights. The discussion raises questions about the effectiveness of different methods in explaining diffraction phenomena. Ultimately, the choice of approach may depend on the context and clarity needed in understanding the interference effects.
SimonB
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
A conceptual problem for me anyway!

In the standard texts a Huygens construction is used to explain the diffraction pattern from a single slit. However it is not used in the explanations for double (or multiple slits). What is the justification for this ... the double slit pattern should be two single slit patterns interfering but is that just over complicating things?

Thanks in advance

Simon
 
Science news on Phys.org
Thread 'A quartet of epi-illumination methods'

Thread 'A quartet of epi-illumination methods'

Well, it took almost 20 years (!!!), but I finally obtained a set of epi-phase microscope objectives (Zeiss). The principles of epi-phase contrast is nearly identical to transillumination phase contrast, but the phase ring is a 1/8 wave retarder rather than a 1/4 wave retarder (because with epi-illumination, the light passes through the ring twice). This method was popular only for a very short period of time before epi-DIC (differential interference contrast) became widely available. So...
View full post »

Thread 'Effective absorption coefficient of gold nanoparticles'

I am currently undertaking a research internship where I am modelling the heating of silicon wafers with a 515 nm femtosecond laser. In order to increase the absorption of the laser into the oxide layer on top of the wafer it was suggested we use gold nanoparticles. I was tasked with modelling the optical properties of a 5nm gold nanoparticle, in particular the absorption cross section, using COMSOL Multiphysics. My model seems to be getting correct values for the absorption coefficient and...
View full post »

Similar threads

B Did Thomas Young Misinterpret His Double Slit Experiment Results?
Replies
34
Views
3K
Thin slits and accuracy of Kirchhoff's diffraction formula
Replies
17
Views
3K
Optics : interference and diffraction
Replies
5
Views
2K
More slits, farther maxima of interference patterns, why?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Single Slit and Diffraction Grating Formulas
Replies
6
Views
7K
Question about dark fringe in diffraction
Replies
1
Views
2K
Huygen's Principle doesn't necessarily imply the law of reflection
Replies
7
Views
2K
2 slits : diffraction always "enveloppe" of interference ?
Replies
3
Views
2K
'Diffraction' or 'Interference' gratings ?
Replies
5
Views
8K
I The double-slit experiment with a pit in the screen
Replies
33
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top