Name: Aarya S, Abhiroop W, Amitoj S, Rida M, Rishab A

Lab 8 - Young’s Double Slit Experiment And Single Slit Diffraction Lab

Date: 2023-01-18
Table of Contents
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………........................

Purpose……………………………………………………………………………..........................

Description…………………………………………………………………………........................

Variables............................................................................................................................................

Theory…………………………………………………………………………...................………

Assumptions……………………………………………………………………….........................

Hypothesis…………………………………………………………………………...................….

Materials ………………………………………………………………………….................……

Procedure ………………………………………………………………………................………

Observations…………………………………………………………………………...................………..

Qualitative…………………………………………………………….….….….…...................…

Quantitative…………………………………………………...............….….….…...................…

Analysis……………………………………………………………………………………...................….

True Wavelength of the Laser Light………………………………………………………..

How Does Varying the Slit Spacing Affect the Pattern…………………………………………

How Could the Accuracy Have been Increased…………………………………….

How Does Varying the Slit Width Affect the Pattern……………..

How could your accuracy have been improved……………………………

Determine the Diameter of a Hair Follicle Using the Single Slit Calculation …………………

How Does the Pattern Produced on the Screen by Different Slits Differ……………

How Does Varying the Slit Width Affect the Pattern……………………………..

Which of the Three Methods of Calculating the Slit Width is the Most Accurate………………

Calculations……………………………………………………………………………….
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………........................

Lab Errors…………………………………………………………………………........................

Scientific Applications………………………………………………………………....................

Societal Applications………………………………………………...........................................

Results...…………………………………………………………………………..........................

Works Cited.....................................................................................................................................
Introduction

Purpose

In this light lab, Thomas Young's double slit experiment, which proved the wave-like

nature of light by demonstrating that it can create an interference pattern on a screen when

passing through two closely spaced slits, was replicated and its findings were examined. The

lab's objectives were to measure the wavelength of the light utilized in the experiment and watch

as the interference pattern formed. This experiment was designed to help us better grasp the

characteristics of light and the wave-particle duality of matter.

Description

At one end of the table in this lab, a laser was mounted and pointed at a poster board.

Two closely spaced slits, referred to be "double slits," as well as a single slit that was made by

covering one of the double slits, were cut out of the poster board. The light patterns created on

the poster board by the laser's light traveling through the slits were watched and recorded once

the laser was turned on. To see how the laser's position affected the interference pattern, the

distance between the fringes in the double and single slits were measured (Figure 1) and

(Figure 2). Using a diffraction grating, the experiment's light's wavelength was also determined.

To prevent any outside light sources from obstructing the observation of the light patterns, the

lab was done in a dark space. This experiment gave participants the chance to see how light

behaves like a wave, comprehend the concepts of diffraction and interference, and see how the

position and distance of the laser affected the interference pattern.

Figure 2: Illustration of lab setup for single slit experiment

Throughout the experiment, there are many independent variables, dependent variables,

and control variables. Table 1 maps out the three types of variables used in the experiment.

Independent Variable Length between screen and laser (l),

Dependent Variable Fringe distance (Δx), Lambda (λ)

Constant Variable Slit distance (D)

Table 1: Illustration of the types of independent variables, dependent variables, and control

variables used in the experiments.

Theory

The wave-particle duality of light, which holds that light possesses characteristics of both

waves and particles, forms the foundation of the physics underlying this light lab. A well-known

illustration of this duality is the double-slit experiment, which shows how light behaves like a

wave by producing an interference pattern. The light waves traveling through the two slits

interact in both constructive and destructive ways, resulting in the interference pattern. The

fringe spacing, also referred to as the separation between the fringes in the interference pattern,

depends on the wavelength of the light and the separation between the slits. The single-slit

experiment, which shows that a single beam of light forms a diffraction pattern when it passes

through a single slit, also illustrates how light behaves like a wave. The width of the slit is

inversely related to the width of the diffraction pattern's central maximum. The fringe spacing,

also referred to as the separation between the fringes in the interference pattern, depends on the

wavelength of the light and the separation between the slits. The following is the equation that

links these variables:

Where d is the distance between the slits, is the light's wavelength, and is the angle formed

between the light's direction and the screen's normal. The center fringe is represented by the

value of the variable m, an integer known as the fringe order.

To get the equation x = L * λ / d from the equation d sin θ = mλ, we can follow these steps:

● Start with the equation d sin θ = mλ, which relates the distance between the fringes (d),

the wavelength of light (λ), and the angle between the direction of the light and the

normal to the screen (θ), with the variable m being an integer known as the order of the

fringe.

● We can use the relationship between the angle θ and the position x of the fringe on the

screen, which is given by the equation θ = arcsin(x/L) where L is the distance between

the slits and the screen.

● Substitute this equation for θ into the original equation and we get: d * sin(arcsin(x/L)) =

mλ

● By applying the trigonometric identity sin(arcsin(x)) = x, we get: d * x/L = m λ

● Dividing both sides by L and multiplying both sides by d we get: x = d * m * λ / L

● Finally, we can divide both sides by m and rearrange the equation: x/m = L * λ / d

This equation relates the position x of the fringe on the screen, the wavelength of light (λ), and

the distance between the slits (d). This equation can be used to calculate the position of the

fringes on the screen, given the wavelength of the light and the distance between the slits.
The order of the fringe is represented by the variable m in the equation x/m = L * λ/ d. We must

make a precise assumption on the sequence of the fringe in order to get rid of the m. We can

change m = 0 in the equation to get x = L * 𝛌 / d if we are just concerned with the location of the

central fringe (m = 0). This equation connects the wavelength of light (λ), the distance between

the slits (d), and the separation between the slits and the screen to the position of the center

fringe on the screen (x) (L). Given the wavelength of the light and the separation between the

slits and the screen, this equation can be used to determine where the center fringe will appear on

the screen.

Assumptions

It was assumed that the light used in the lab was coherent, meaning that the light waves

were in phase with each other. This is important for the formation of the interference pattern.

Because coherent light produces a distinct and well-defined pattern, it is crucial for the

generation of the interference pattern. Light waves add constructively and destructively at

different locations when they are in phase with one another, producing bright and dark fringes,

respectively, in the interference pattern. The interference pattern will be less clearly defined if the

light is not coherent, as the light waves will not be in phase with one another.

It was also assumed that the light used in the lab was monochromatic, meaning that it had

a single wavelength. This simplifies the calculations and makes it easier to measure the

wavelength of the light. The computations are made easier and the wavelength of the light is

more easily measured with monochromatic light. When light is monochromatic, a diffraction

grating can be used to determine the wavelength directly. If the light is not monochromatic, it

would be more challenging and time-consuming to calculate the wavelength by measuring the
light's spectrum. The ensuing interference pattern would also be more complicated if the light

was not monochromatic because it would be a superposition of patterns from various

wavelengths.

Another assumption was that the angle between the direction of the light and the normal

to the screen (θ) was small, which allows us to use the small angle approximation of sin(θ) ≈ θ in

the equation dsinθ = mλ. This presumption is used because it makes the mathematics easier and

enables more precise measurements of the light's wavelength. It is simpler to solve for when the

angle is modest because the sine function can be roughly represented as a linear function. This

approximation, however, is invalid if the angle is not tiny, and the problem must be resolved

using the precise sine function value.

Lastly, it was assumed that the light passed through the slits without any absorption or

scattering. This is important for the formation of the interference pattern. This assumption is

crucial for the interference pattern's production since it guarantees that the light waves going

through the slits won't be absorbed or dispersed, which would interfere with the pattern's

formation. The interference pattern that results would be less clear or not at all observable if the

light were to be absorbed or scattered. Furthermore, if the light is refracted by any other medium

before it reaches the screen, this medium will alter the light, making the pattern once again

difficult to see.

This is important to keep in mind because, in reality, the light may not always be

perfectly coherent, the monochromatic or small angle approximation may not hold true, or there

may be some absorption or scattering. These assumptions are made to make the calculations

simpler and the experiment easier to conduct.

In the replication of Thomas Young's double-slit experiment, it was predicted that an

interference pattern would be seen on the screen behind the slits as a result of the overlapping

light waves doing so. This is supposed to show that light behaves like a wave, as Young's initial

experiment from the early 19th century did. It was also projected that if the experiment were

done with a single slit, the light flowing through it would not produce an interference pattern but

rather a single, distinct image of the slit on the screen behind it, proving the wave-particle duality

of light.

Materials

● 1x Ruler

● 1x Flashlight

● 1x Meter Stick

● 1x Screen (Paper)

● 1x Writing Utensil

● 1x Handheld Laser Pointer

● 1x Retort Stand and Clamp

● 1x Single Slit Screen (Width - 1mm)

● 1x Double Slit Screen (Width - 3mm)

As we will be working with laser’s in the lab it is an absolute priority that proper safety

mechanisms are in place. Which means that at all times the laser’s head should always be parallel

to one’s eyesight and it means that the laser must never be animated when someone is in front of

the laser’s head. And although the laser that was provided for this experiment was a low intensity

laser and could’t cause serious burns if prolonged exposure was applied to flesh or an object, it is

still a good habit to turn off the laser after every calculation procedure step.

Procedure

1.) Setup the screen along a table with tape

2.) Setup the retort stand and clamp perpendicular to the Screen

3.) Setup the laser pointer in the clamp

4.) Setup the double/single slit in the clamp

5.) Measure the distance between the screen and the slit

6.) Turn on the laser pointer and turn off the adjacent lights

7.) Measure the distance between the fringes on the screen

8.) Record all collected data

Qualitative

Lab 1: Young’s Double-Slit Experiment

Young’s double-slit Experiment demonstrated the wave-like nature of light. A beam from

a laser is directed at a screen with two closely spaced parallel slits. The laser passing through the

two slits hit the second screen, where the interference pattern was observed. It was observed the

formation of a series of the interference pattern of bright and dark fringes on the second screen.

The bright bands are areas where the waves from the two slits are in phase, resulting in

constructive interference. Whereas, the dark fringes formed waves which were out of phase,

resulting in destructive interference. It was also observed that the spacing of the bright and dark

fringes is dependent on the distance between the two slits and the second screen. As the distance

between the slits decreases, the spacing between the fringes also decreases. Similarly, as the

distance between the slits and the second increases, the space between the fringes also increases.

It is also observed that the intensity of the light passing through the two slits can be controlled by

adjusting the brightness of the light source. As the intensity of the light is increased, the bright

fringes become brighter and dark fringes appear less dark.

Lab 2: Single Slit Diffraction Lab

The Single-Slit Diffraction lab experiment produced a clear diffraction pattern on the

screen. The central maximum appeared bright and sharply defined. The fringes appeared

progressively less bright and less defined on either side of the central maximum. It was observed
that the width of the fringes increased as the distance from the central maximum increased, and

the spacing between the fringes decreased as the width of the slit decreased. It was noticed that

the pattern on the screen was a series of light and dark bands, with the central maximum being

the brightest and most defined, and the fringes became progressively dimmer and less defined as

they moved away from the center. As the distance between the screen and the slit increased the

pattern became larger and less defined. Also, as the width of the slit decreased, the pattern

became smaller and more defined. In conclusion, the diffraction pattern produced on the screen

was dependent on the wavelength of light, the width of the slit and the distance between the

screen and the slit.

Analysis

Lab 1: Young’s Double-Slit Experiment

True Wavelength of the Laser Light

The wavelength of the laser light can be calculated through a standard formula when all control

Δ𝑥𝑑
variables are known. We can apply our knowledge of wave to solve for 𝛌 = 𝐿
. This

information can be found simply by using measurement tools and making accurate marking on

the writing screen to record this data. From there we can calculate the wavelength of the laser

light, or any source of light being used, and also analyze our findings.

How Does Varying the Slit Spacing Affect the Pattern

observe that the spacing between the fringes that are projected onto our paper decreases.

Following this, as the spacing or our d values decreases we can observe that the spacing between

our fringes increases. It can be observed this when trying to set up our double slit experiment

using different plates that had varying d values. We observed this pattern because the fringe

width is inversely proportional to the slit spacing.

How Could the Accuracy Have been Increased

With any type of lab and experiment, the more data that we can collect, the more accurate

our conclusive results will be. In this lab procedure accuracy could have been increased if we

had proper measurement tools and instead used a flat and stable wall to project our laser beam

onto. With the use of desks, there was already a projected margin of error due to the unleveling

of the desks. Another way to increase the accuracy of our data and conclusions would be to use a

slit screen that had numerous slits as this would increase our diffraction interference. With the

presence of more slits, our central maxima would be significantly brighter.

How Does the Pattern Produced on the Screen by Different Slits Differ

The number of slits affects the pattern on the screen. As the number of slits are increased,

the diffraction maximum will only get sharper, but also at the same time appear to be more

intense. This was based off our observations when conducting the experiment where we tried to

compare the double slits films based off how the

Varying the slit width can affect the pattern that is projected on our screen. If we are to

increase the width of the slits then, then our central maximum gets narrower. This observation

can be noted for both the single slits and double slit experiments. To put into perspective why

this happens, if the object that our light source interferes with is small, the wider the spread of

our interference pattern will appear to be on our projected screen.

Calculations

𝐿𝛌
Develop Δ𝑥 = 𝑑
From the Equation Given in the Young Double Slit Experiment dsinØ = m𝛌

1 𝛌
sinØ = (n- 2 ) 𝑑

𝑚𝛌
sinØ = 𝑑
where m = 0,1,2,3… and so on

𝑥
sinØ is best determined by the ratio of 𝐿
where x is the nodal line from the center of the screen

and L is the distance between the screen and the slit

𝑥 1 𝛌
∴ sinØ = 𝐿
= (n- 2 ) 𝑑

So rearrange to find x

1 𝐿𝛌
xn = (n- 2 ) 𝑑

1
Where n is the order of the fringes, but we can get rid of (n- 2 ) as the value of L is so large

compared to D
 𝐿𝛌
So the equation just becomes Δ𝑥 = 𝑑
, where Δ𝑥 is the distance between fringes

Calculate the Wavelength of the Laser Light

Δ𝑥𝑑
𝐿
= 𝛌

(0.008−0.003)(0.003)
220
=𝛌

𝛌 ≅ 6.81 × 10-8 Hz

𝐿𝛌
Develop 𝑑 = 𝑥
From the Equation dsinØ = m𝛌

1 𝛌
sinØ = (n- 2 ) 𝑑

𝑚𝛌
sinØ = 𝑑
where m = 0,1,2,3… and so on

𝑥
sinØ is best determined by the ratio of 𝐿
where x is the nodal line from the center of the screen

and L is the distance between the screen and the slit

𝑥 1 𝛌
∴ sinØ = 𝐿
= (n- 2 ) 𝑑

So rearrange to find x

1 𝐿𝛌
xn = (n- 2 ) 𝑑

1
Where n is the order of the fringes, but we can get rid of (n- 2 ) as the value of L is so large

compared to D

𝐿𝛌
So the equation just becomes Δ𝑥 = 𝑑
, where Δ𝑥 is the distance between fringes

Now all we have to do is rearranged for d

𝐿𝛌
Using the previously determined wavelength (6.81 × 10-8 Hz) rearrange Δ𝑥 = 𝑑

𝐿𝛌
∴𝑑 = Δ𝑥

(6.81 × 10−8 𝐻𝑧)(220)

d = 0.0029964m

d ≅ 0.003m

Conclusion

Lab Errors

There are several lab errors that could occur in both the Young’s double-slit experiment

and the single-slit diffraction lab. The First potential lab error is the misalignment of the slits

and/or the screen, as even the smallest misalignment can affect the resulting diffraction pattern.

Another potential lab error could be inaccuracies in the measurements of the width of the slits or

the distance between the screen and the slits. The stability of the light source could also be a

potential error as a fluctuating or unstable light source can result in inconsistent or even

inaccurate results. In Young’s double-slit experiment, if the two slits are not parallel or even

identical, it will also affect the resulting diffraction pattern. Lastly, scratches, dust, or other

imperfections on the slits can produce inconsistent diffraction patterns.

Applying Young's double slit experiment can be applied in numerous real world

situations. For example, aircrafts use the concept of light interference so pilots can navigate

effectively on the runway during inclement weather conditions. In Addition to this, the concept

of light interference is also used for visors for astronauts to protect their eyes. A similar

application to a lesser extent is the physics behind sunglasses. Another scientific application of

Young’s double-slit experiment is in the field of quantum mechanics, where it is used to study

the wave-particle duality of matter and energy. The experiment helps to explain the behavior of

subatomic particles and is used to test theories of quantum mechanics. In addition, the double-slit

experiment is also used in the study of quantum computing, and quantum-based technologies, as

well as in the understanding of the nature of light and matter in general.

Single-slit diffraction is used in a wide range of scientific applications. One of the main

scientific applications of the single-slit experiment is in optics, where it is used to understand the

behavior of light as it passes through apertures. Additionally, the principles of diffraction are also

used in spectroscopy and other fields. Furthermore, the principle of diffraction is also used in the

field of microscopy, where it is used to produce high-resolution images of small objects. In the

field of spectroscopy where the diffraction pattern produced by a single slit can be used to

analyze the composition of a sample by measuring the wavelengths of light that are absorbed.
Societal Applications

Young’s double-slit experiment has many societal applications in various fields such as

technology, medicine and materials science. The principles of wave interference and diffraction

are used in the development of optical devices such as lasers, and microscopes. For example,

Laser uses the principle of constructive interference to produce an intense beam of light.

Microscopes use the principle of diffraction to produce high-resolution images of small objects.

In medicine, the principles of wave interference and diffraction are used to develop medical

imaging techniques, such as x-ray diffraction, Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI). These

techniques use the diffraction of x-rays, electrons, or magnetic waves to produce detailed images

of the inside of the human body.

Similarly, single-slit diffraction is used in a wide range of applications, including

spectroscopy and imaging. In spectroscopy, the diffraction pattern produced by a single slit can

be used to analyze a sample by measuring the wavelengths of light that are absorbed or emitted.

In imaging, single-slit diffraction is used in microscopy to produce high-resolution images.

Results

From our observations and analysis of these experimental procedures, we have concluded

that light does in fact have a wave-like nature. This was concluded since an interference pattern

did appear on a screen when passing through two closely spaced slits. In addition to this, our

observation and analysis proved our original hypothesis to be correct.

Admin, B. Y. J. U. (2022, August 19). Young's double slit experiment - properties, position

of fringes in YDSE. BYJUS. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from

https://byjus.com/jee/youngs-double-slit-experiment/#:~:text=Young's%20double%

2Dslit%20experiment%20uses,the%20help%20of%20a%20diagram.

Math, J. F. (n.d.). Interference of light waves - young's double-slit experiment. Julie Fun -

Interference of Light Waves. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from

https://personal.math.ubc.ca/~cass/courses/m309-03a/m309-projects/fun/Slits.html

Murray, A. (2020, February 18). Double slits with single atoms. Physics World. Retrieved

January 20, 2023, from

https://physicsworld.com/a/double-slits-with-single-atoms/#:~:text=Young's%20ori

ginal%20double%2Dslit%20experiments,saw%20bright%20and%20dark%20fring

es.

Clarified, S. (n.d.). Interference - real-life applications. Science Clarified. Retrieved

January 20, 2023, from

http://www.scienceclarified.com/everyday/Real-Life-Physics-Vol-2/Interference-Re

al-life-applications.html
Admin, B. Y. J. U. S. (2022, December 13). What is diffraction of light - definition, single

slit diffraction, Formula, video, and faqs. BYJUS. Retrieved January 20, 2023,

from

https://byjus.com/physics/single-slit-diffraction/#:~:text=We%20can%20observe%

20single%20slit,is%20a%20function%20of%20angle