What is Single Slit Diffraction?
Single Slit Diffraction occurs when light waves pass through a narrow aperture or slit. As the waves spread out, they interfere with each other, resulting in an interference pattern on a screen placed some distance away. This pattern includes a central maximum, secondary maxima, and minima, showing the bending and spreading of light waves around the edges of the slit.
Single Slit Diffraction
Single Slit Diffraction is a fundamental concept in wave optics that explains how light behaves as a wave when passing through a narrow slit. When coherent light (like a laser) goes through a single narrow slit, the waves spread out, and their interaction creates a pattern on a screen placed some distance away. This phenomenon, known as diffraction, leads to the formation of alternating bright and dark regions, showcasing the wave nature of light.
In this article, we’ll learn core concepts, types, and practical applications of Single Slit Diffraction, aiming to simplify and explore its patterns and formulas.
Table of Content
- What is Single Slit Diffraction?
- Central Maximum
- Path Difference
- Minima Position
- Intensity Distribution Curve (Pattern)
- Single Slit Diffraction Formula
Diffraction is defined as the phenomenon in which light bends around the corners of an obstacle whose size is comparable to the wavelength of the light
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