Diffraction Lab

Objective:
Use diffraction of a red laser beam to measure the wavelength of the laser and the thickness of a
human hair.

Warning: Do not look directly at the laser or shine in anyone’s eyes. Be aware of lasers from
other groups as well. The “Don’t be a Dummy” rule remains in effect. Use laser safety
goggles when aiming lasers.

Pre-Lab Questions:
1. What conditions must be met for constructive or destructive interference of a light wave
to occur? How do constructive interference and destructive interference physically
manifest for light waves when we observe them?
2. How can the wavelength of light be calculated by measuring the interference pattern for
single slit diffraction?
3. How can the distance between two slits be calculated based on a double slit diffraction
experiment?

Materials:
 Red laser source
 Light screen
 Variable diffraction slit wheel
 Optics track
 Card stock paper with slit
 Masking Tape
 Ruler or Meterstick

Procedure:
Part 1: Single Slit Diffraction
 Set up the optics track with the laser source, diffraction slit wheel, and light screen. Tape
a sheet of paper flat to the light screen in order to make marks for any needed
measurements.
 Choose at least 3 different single slit sizes (note: do not use circular apertures) on the
wheel and qualitatively observe how the width of the central maximum changes based on
the slit width and distance of the slit from the light screen.
 Using each of the slit sizes and a fixed screen distance, take measurements that will allow
you to calculate an average value for the wavelength of the laser.
Part 2: Double Slit Diffraction
 Set up the optics track with the laser source and light screen. Tape a sheet of paper flat to
the light screen in order to make marks for any needed measurements.
 Obtain a piece of hair that is ethically sourced (i.e. ask politely and receive un-coerced
consent before you take it)
 Tape the piece of hair to the card stock lengthwise over one of the existing holes/slits (see
Dr. Miller for an example). Note that you may need to try both holes or create a new hole
to get a useful diffraction pattern.
 Secure the card stock with hair to the laser such that the hole is placed directly over the
laser source. It is suggested you place the card with the taped hair sided facing the laser.
 Take all necessary measurements that will allow you to calculate the thickness of the hair
based on the observed diffraction pattern.

Discussion Questions:
1. Explain how an interference pattern is obtained with a wave through only a single slit.
2. Determine the percent error of your calculation of the laser wavelength versus the
known value that is printed on the laser. Discuss if your calculation agrees with the
known value.
3. Explain how your observed relationship for the width of the central maximum would
change for the single slit if a green laser were used instead.
4. Compare and contrast features of single slit versus double slit diffraction.
5. What did you determine the thickness of the hair to be? Does this result seem
reasonable? Why or why not?
6. If a blue laser were used instead of a red laser, explain what changes would need to be
made to how you collected data to determine the hair width, if any.
7. What assumptions did you make in order to be able to calculate the hair width? What
are potential sources of error and how specifically would they have affected your
measurements?

Create a short lab notebook entry (5 pages or less) that includes:

 Objective of the experiment
 Overview of key methods focusing on YOUR procedure (what measurements did you
take and why, how many of each measurement were taken and why, equations used,
diagram of experiment)
 Results, including observations and calculations
 Discussion of main results in context of diffraction and the wave model of light with
answers to discussion questions and discussion of error
 Include at least one source other than the textbook or class lecture to support (in MLA)
 Submit your notebook entry to your google folder and to Turnitin.com