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Interference and Diffraction Project

This project investigates the interference and diffraction patterns of light using a laser source with single and double slits. The experiment demonstrates the wave nature of light, showing how coherent waves can interfere and produce distinct patterns on a screen. Key observations include the behavior of fringe width and the conditions for minima and maxima in the patterns formed.

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madhav.formal.5
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45 views11 pages

Interference and Diffraction Project

This project investigates the interference and diffraction patterns of light using a laser source with single and double slits. The experiment demonstrates the wave nature of light, showing how coherent waves can interfere and produce distinct patterns on a screen. Key observations include the behavior of fringe width and the conditions for minima and maxima in the patterns formed.

Uploaded by

madhav.formal.5
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Interference and Diffraction of

Light Using a Laser and Slits


Class 12 Physics Project
Aim
• To study the interference and diffraction
patterns of light using a laser source passing
through single and double slits.
Experiment model
Theory
• Light exhibits wave nature and can interfere constructively or
destructively when coherent sources overlap.

• • Interference: Superposition of two coherent waves.


• • Diffraction: Bending of light around edges or through narrow
openings.

• Fringe width (β) = λD / d


• where λ = wavelength of laser light,
• D = distance between slit and screen,
• d = slit separation.
Single Slit Diffraction
• When light passes through a single narrow slit, it spreads and
forms a diffraction pattern.

• • Central bright fringe is the widest.


• • Intensity decreases with distance from center.

• Condition for minima: a sinθ = nλ, where a = slit width.


Double Slit Interference
• When light passes through two narrow slits, the diffracted
waves overlap and interfere.

• • Bright fringes (constructive): path difference = nλ


• • Dark fringes (destructive): path difference = (n + ½)λ

• This produces alternating bright and dark bands.


Experimental Setup
• Apparatus:
• • Laser source (red)
• • Slit plate (single and double)
• • Screen

• Setup:
• 1. Mount the slit plate vertically.
• 2. Direct the laser beam through the slit(s).
• 3. Observe the pattern on the screen.

• Ensure the setup is aligned properly for sharp fringes.


Procedure
• 1. Connect the laser source and align it with the slit.
• 2. Place the screen at a known distance D from the slit.
• 3. Observe and record the fringe pattern.
• 4. Measure the fringe spacing using a scale.
• 5. Repeat for single and double slits.
• 6. Calculate λ or fringe width using β = λD / d.
Observations
• • Single slit: Central bright fringe is broad with fading side
fringes.
• • Double slit: Equally spaced bright and dark fringes.
• • Fringe width increases with λ and D, decreases with d.

• Typical laser wavelength: 650 nm (red).


Conclusion
• The experiment demonstrates that light shows
wave behavior.
• The observed interference and diffraction
patterns confirm the principle of superposition
of waves.
Applications & Precautions
• Applications:
• • Used in optical instruments.
• • Measurement of wavelength.
• • Testing lens quality.

• Precautions:
• • Do not look directly into laser beam.
• • Keep slit and screen parallel.
• • Ensure steady laser alignment.
• • Use a dark room for clear visibility.

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