- #1
Cardinalmont
When observing interference patterns, one will notice that the maxima from a double slit are more intense and farther apart than the maxima of a single slit. Likewise, the maxima from a diffraction grating are more intense and farther apart than maxima of a double slit. Why is this?
I understand that the minima are created when light with a phase difference of half a wavelength interact with each other, and more slits means more opportunity for half a wavelength phase changes, but doesn't it also present more opportunity for light of different phase shifts to hit those spots? Wouldn't it also present more opportunities for everything, not just minima?
I ask because I put a red laser pointer through a diffraction grating and the maxima were extremely far apart and extremely distinct! Unbelievable!
I understand that the minima are created when light with a phase difference of half a wavelength interact with each other, and more slits means more opportunity for half a wavelength phase changes, but doesn't it also present more opportunity for light of different phase shifts to hit those spots? Wouldn't it also present more opportunities for everything, not just minima?
I ask because I put a red laser pointer through a diffraction grating and the maxima were extremely far apart and extremely distinct! Unbelievable!