How Does the Central Maximum Shift When a Laser Beam's Angle Changes?

In summary, a laser beam with a wavelength of 532 nm is directed at a screen with two narrow slits spaced 0.15 mm apart. When the beam is rotated at a 1.0 degree angle around an axis parallel to the slits, the central maximum on the screen will shift due to a path difference between the initial rays. The exact distance of this shift can be found by constructing the path difference.
  • #1
physics2011
1
0

Homework Statement



A laser beam, with a wavelength of 532 nm, is directed exactly perpendicular to a screen having tow narrow slits spaced .15 mm apart. Interference fringes, including a central maximum, are observed on a screen 1.0 m away. The direction of the beam is then slowly rotated around an axis parallel to the slits to an angle of 1.0 degrees. By what distance does the central maximum on the screen move?

Homework Equations



Theta=m(lambda/d)
ym=(m*L*lambda)/d

The Attempt at a Solution



I do not understand how to find the position change of the central maximum because for the central maximum, m=0 so the position goes to 0 regardless of the angle of incidence of the light. Basically, I can't figure out how to even set up the problem.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
When light is incident at an angle on the set-up there is some path difference between the initial rays starting from the slits so that the central maximum - the point where path difference is zero - shifts. You can try finding out this path differnce by construction.
 

Related to How Does the Central Maximum Shift When a Laser Beam's Angle Changes?

1. What is double slit interference?

Double slit interference is a phenomenon where a wave, such as light or sound, passes through two parallel slits and produces a pattern of bright and dark fringes on a screen behind them. This occurs because the waves passing through the slits interfere with each other, creating areas of constructive and destructive interference.

2. How does double slit interference occur?

Double slit interference occurs when a wave passes through two parallel slits that are close together. The waves that pass through the slits diffract and overlap, creating interference patterns on a screen behind the slits. This is due to the superposition of waves, where the amplitudes of the waves add or cancel out depending on their phase difference.

3. What is the difference between single and double slit interference?

In single slit interference, a single wave passes through a narrow slit and diffracts, creating a pattern of bright and dark fringes on a screen. In double slit interference, two waves pass through two parallel slits and interfere with each other, creating a pattern of alternating bright and dark fringes. The interference patterns in double slit interference are more complex and have a higher resolution compared to single slit interference.

4. What is the relationship between the distance between the slits and the interference pattern?

The distance between the slits, also known as the slit separation, is directly related to the spacing of the interference fringes on the screen. As the slit separation decreases, the spacing between the fringes increases, and vice versa. This relationship is known as the grating equation, which states that the spacing between fringes is inversely proportional to the slit separation.

5. What are some real-life applications of double slit interference?

Double slit interference can be observed in various natural phenomena, such as the colors in soap bubbles and the patterns on butterfly wings. It is also used in many scientific experiments, such as the Young's double slit experiment, to study the wave nature of light and other waves. Additionally, double slit interference is utilized in technologies such as diffraction gratings in spectrometers and holography in 3D imaging.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
564
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
635
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
10K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
3K
Back
Top