Young's Double Slit Experiment - Good Set Up?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on setting up an experiment to measure the distance between tracks on a CD using a cardboard box, a ruler, and a laser pointer, employing a double slit method. The proposed setup involves cutting slits in the cardboard box to direct a laser beam through the slits onto the CD, with the intention of reflecting the light onto a wall for measurement. However, a participant suggests that the CD itself serves as a diffraction grating, making the additional slits unnecessary and potentially complicating the experiment. The formula d (sinθ) = mλ is referenced for calculating the distance between tracks.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Young's Double Slit Experiment
  • Familiarity with the principles of diffraction and interference
  • Knowledge of basic optics, including laser behavior
  • Ability to apply the formula d (sinθ) = mλ for measurements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of diffraction and how CDs function as diffraction gratings
  • Explore alternative methods for measuring track distances on CDs
  • Learn about laser alignment techniques for optical experiments
  • Investigate the impact of slit width and separation on interference patterns
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, hobbyists conducting optical experiments, and anyone interested in the practical applications of wave interference and diffraction.

RockPigeon
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Hello, I'm trying to set up an experiment to measure the distance between tracks in a CD, using only 3 items.

I can only use a cardboard box, a ruler, and a laser pointer, and I will be using a double slit.

So I'm thinking I will cut two slits in the carboard box, place it in front of the laser, place the cd behind that, and shine the laser through the slits, off of the cd and reflect them onto the wall. Then I would use d (sinθ) = mλ to calculate for d.

Does this seem logical?

Thanks for the input.
 
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I don't think you need the cardboard box. The CD is already there to act like a diffraction grating. The extra slits are just going to complicate things.
 
RockPigeon said:
Hello, I'm trying to set up an experiment to measure the distance between tracks in a CD, using only 3 items.

I can only use a cardboard box, a ruler, and a laser pointer, and I will be using a double slit.

So I'm thinking I will cut two slits in the carboard box, place it in front of the laser, place the cd behind that, and shine the laser through the slits, off of the cd and reflect them onto the wall. Then I would use d (sinθ) = mλ to calculate for d.

Does this seem logical?

Thanks for the input.
What is the purpose of the double slits, in your proposed setup?
 

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