Young’s Double slit experi

ment
 Path difference and interference
First subsidiary maximum

Slit 1 (s1)

O Central Maximum
Microwave
source
A Minimum
Slit 2
(s2)
B First subsidiary maximum
 Path difference
 Slits S1 and S2 act as two sources of microwaves, t
he waves leave the slits in phase.

The point O is the same distance from both slits
(zero path difference), the waves are in phase: gi
ving constructive superposition, this point is kno
wn as the central maximum.
 X
Path difference (d1 – d2)

S1 X
O 0
S2 d1
X A λ/2
d2
B λ

X C 3λ/2

maximum X minimum
 Finding wavelengths using path difference
method


Path differences between maxima = 0, λ, 2λ, 3 λ,
……

Path differences between minima = λ/2, 3λ/2, 5λ/
2, ……

In general:

For constructive superposition, path difference = n
λ

For destructive superposition, path difference = (n
+ ½)λ

Where n = 0, 1, 2, 3,…………
 Young’s double slit experiment


Young’s double slit experiment demonstrate
s the interference of light and shows that
light has wave-like properties.

The experiment involves a coherent light so
urce, usually a laser, being directed onto
a twin slit. Light is diffracted from the t
wo slits, these slits act as separate light
sources.
 Young’s double slit experiment

Waves diffract as they pass through the sli
ts.

The two sets of waves overlap and superposi
tion occurs. This causes the waves to produ
ce an interference pattern on a screen. The
pattern consists of light and dark fringes.

The light fringes are caused by constructiv
e superposition (amplitude increased).

The dark fringes (minima) are caused by des
tructive interference (waves cancel).
Apparatus

Screen w

Double
slit

HeNe Laser
Reminder about interference
 Double slit equation

xs
Key equation:
w =
λD
s

Where:


D = distance from the slits to the screen (1 - 10m fo

D


r laser),

w = separation between adjacent fringes,

s = separation of the twin slits (typically ~ 0.2 - 0
.3mm)

λ = wavelength of laser light

Note: this equation assumes that D >> w or s

So if D is not much greater than w or s, use the path
difference method (i.e. with microwaves)