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The term diffraction is applied to problems in which one is concerned with the resultant effect produced
by a limited portion of a wave surface. If only a part of the wave is cut off by some obstacle, the effects
are commonly called diffraction.
Diffraction is sometimes defined as the bending of light around the obstacle and its presence in the
region of geometrical shadow. If the size of the obstacle or aperture is of the order of wavelength of
light to be diffracted, the light deviates from its rectilinear path at the corners of the obstacle and the
diffraction pattern is obtained due to mutual interference of secondary wave front.
∆ = BM = dθ = 3λ/2 or θ = 3λ/2d and PS’ = x1 then Ѳ = 3λ/2d = x1/D
Therefore the position for first secondary maxima = x1 = (3λD)/2d
Similarly if BM = 5λ/2 =dsinθ, x2 = 5λD/2d
Therefore the position for second secondary minima = x2 = (5λD)/2d
In general position for nth secondary minima = xn = (2n+1) λD)/2d.
Width of central maxima = The distance between the first secondary minimum
We know the distance of first secondary minima from the center of the screen i.e.
x1 = λD/d thus the width of central maxima = β0 = 2x1= 2λD/d
Width of secondary maxima = distance between nth and (n-1)th minima.
β1 = xn – xn‐1 = nλD/d – [(n‐1) λD]/d = λD/d
Width of secondary minima = distance between nth and (n-1)th maxima.
β2= xn – xn‐1 = [(2n+1) λD]/2d – [{2(n‐1) +1} λD]/2d = λD/d