2 Diffraction of Light

Syllabus
Diffraction of Light - Fraunhoffer difraction at single slit, Fraunhoffer diffraction double sli,
Difraction Grating, Resolving power of a grating, dispersive power of a grating Application of
Diffraction -Determination of wavelength of light with aplane transmission grating

Contents
2.1 Introduction Marks
May-09,11, Dec.-09,11,15
2.2 Fraunhofer Difraction at a Single Slit May-15 Marks
2.3 Double Slit Difiraction May-11
2.4 Plane Difiraction Grating. Dec.-08,09,11,13,14,15
May-09,10,11,12,13,14,16:Marks 10
2.5 Rayleigh's Criterion for Resolution
2.6 Resoving Power of Diffraction Grating. May-10,11,12,14,15, 16,
.Dec.-10,13,14 . Marks 5

(2- 1)
 2-2 Diffraction of Light
Applied Physics- I|
Ap
2.1 Introduction Sereen
Mag-09,11, Dec,-09,1115
Bending of light around sharp edges of
objects into the geometrical shadow is called
diffraction. This can be explained on the basis Geometrical
of Huygen's wave theory. When light is shadow
incident a sharp edge of an object as
Fig. 2.1.1
shown in Fig. 2.1.1, the points on the edge si
become secondary sources of waves emitting f
spherical wavefronts which travel in all directions including the geometrical shadow.
Diffraction is often studied with slits of small aperture. Fresnel studied the diffraction
of light keeping the source and the screen at a finite distance from the slit which is t
known as Fresnel diffraction. Fraunhofer studied diffraction by making the effective
distance of the slit from source and screen infinite. The comparison between Fresnel and
Fraunhofer diffraction is given below.

Sr. No. Fresnel diffraction Fraunhofer diffraction

1 Distance of slit from source and screen is Distance of slit from source and screen is
finite. infinite.
2 Wavefront incident on the slit is spherical or Wavefront incident on the slit is plane.
cylindrical.
3. Wavefront incident on the screen is Wavefront incident in the screen is
spherical or cylindrical. plane.
4
There is path difference between the rays There is no path difference between the
before entering the slit which depends on rays before entering the slit.
the distance between the source and slit.
Path difference between the rays forming Path difference depends only on angle of
the diffraction pattern depends on distance diffraction. Hence mathematical
of slit from source as well as the screen and treatment is comparatively easier.
the angle of diffraction. Hence mathematical
treatment is complicated.
Lenses are not required to observe Fresnel Lenses are required to observe
diffraction in the laboratory. Fraunhofer diffraction in the laboratory.
In this chapter, we will discuss Fraunhofer diffraction at single slit and multiple slits
in detail.

University Questions

Q.1 What do you mean by diffraction? State its types. May-09, Dec.11, Marks 3

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS - An up thrust for knowledge

 Diffraction of Light
|
ApaiedPhysics - 2-3

Dec.-09, Marks 3
02 What are the types of diffraction? Differentiate betoeen them.
May-11, Marke 3
nt State the tuo types of diffraction and differentiate between them.
Dec 15, Marks 3
aA What is meant by difraction? State its types and difjerentiate them.
May-15
92 Fraunhofer Diffraction at a Single Slit
To observe Fraunhofer diffraction at a
single slit, a source of light is kept at the
fous of a biconvex lerns to convert a
diverging beam of ight to parallel beam. Source"
Another biconvex lens is placed beyond
the slit to focus the parallel diffracted rays
on a screen placed in the focal plane of Sit Biconvex lens
the lens as shown in Fig. 2.2.1. Screen
Fig. 2.2.1
Consider a parallel beam of light
inident normally on a slit of width ',
diffracted at angle '6 as shown in Fig. 2.2.2.
The path difference between extreme rays from
the slit is
A= BC= AB sin
A= a sin 0

The path difference between these raysis

27 Flg. 2.2.2

4E
=2asin6 . (2.2.1)
AE
The slit is now divided into 'N' parts of equal
width Ax, as shown in Fig. 2.2.3. The width of each Ar
part is so small that it behaves like a point source.
As all parts are of equal width, the amplitude AE
of waves transmitted by them will be same. The AE

path difference between waves transmitted by two

adjacent parts is = Ar sin 0 and hence the phase
difference is
A¢ = Ax sino
Fig. 2.2.3

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS - An up thrust for knowiedge

Applied Physics - I| 2-4 Diffraction of Light

Thus there will be 'N amplitude phasors of the same

amplitude AE and the same phase difference A R

between adjacent phasors. The resultant of these phasors

can be obtained geometrically using the phasor diagram
shown in Fig. 2.2.4.
The first phasor is chosen as the reference phasor and D
can be drawn in any arbitrary directiorn. The other
phasors are drawn one after the other, each at angle A
from the tip of the previous phasor. The 'N phasors of
equal amplitude and same phase difference between Fig. 2.2.4
adjacent phasors form an arc of a circle 'AB' as shown in
Fig. 2.2.4 with centre 'C and radius 'R'.
The length of arc AB represents the maximum amplitude 'E ' which can be obtained
by adding the phasors without any phase difference between them. The length of chord
AB represents the resultant amnplitude (Eg) of the diffracted wave at an angle of
diffraction '8.

AC = BC = R (radius of the circle)

(2.2.2)
Let a = a sin
Draw CD perpendicular to AB. Then, A ACD and A BCD are congruent.

AD = DB = 0

In A ACD,
AD
sin a =
AC

sina EgR/2
R
... (2.2.3)
2 sina

Using S =R 0,
arc length AB = R

.'. Em R"2a

E ... (2.24)
R=
20

From equations (2.2.3) and (2.2.4),

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS- An up thrust for knowiedge
 Appiied Physics -| 2-5 Ditfraction of Light

Eg
2 sina 2a
sina
Eg = Em (2.2.5)

... (2.2.6)

As intensity is proportional to square of the amplitude,

lp = KE, and Im= KE2
Substituting in equation (2.2.6),
... (2.2.7)

Principal maximum
The resultant amplitude for diffraction from a single slit is
sin a
Ep = E.

Eg =
.. Ep will be maximum if a = 0.

i.e., if T, m
T4 sin = 0
0 = 0

Thus the principal maximum is formed along the incident direction and hence is also
called the central maximum.

Minima

For minimum intensity, I = 0M

.. Fromn equation (2.2.7), e

= 0

sin a = 0 but a # 0

a= n N; n =±1, ± 2, ± 3, ..

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS - An up thrust for knowiedge

 Appliod Physics - Il 2-6 Ditraction of Light

From equation (2.2.2),

Ta sin = nI
a sin = n .. (2.2.8)
The minimum intensities are formed at angles given by

n=t1, ±2, ±3, ...

Here 'n' is called the order of the minimum intensity.

Secondary maxdma
Between any two adjacent minimum intensities, there will be a maximum intensity
called secondary maximum. These secondary maxima are formed for
where n = 1, 2, 3, ..

T4 sin6
-(*
a sin 0
-(o*fa ... (2.2.9)

As

lÍ = Im

= +1

le

TECHNCAL PUBLICATIONs- An up thrust for knowledoe

 Applied Physics - I| 2-7
Dittractlon of Light

n= 1, 2, 3, ....
for
= 0.0450, 0.0162, 0.0083, ....
Im
Thus the intensity of secondary maxima decreases rapidly.
Intensity patterm due to single slit
The graph of
Im VS a is shown in Fig. 2.2.5. The intensity is maximum along the
incident direction. The intensity then decreases to zero at a = ti on either sides of the
central maxima.
Secondary maxima and minima are alternately formed after the first minimum
intensity on both sides of the central maximum. The intensity of secondary maxima
decreases rapidly away from the centre.

O.045
0.0162
o0083
0

Fig. 2.2.5
Dependance of spectrum on slit width
The central maximum lies between the first minima on either side of the central
maximum. If the slit width is equal to the wavelength of ight used, for first minimum
intensity,
a sin 0 = nl; n=1 and a=
sin 0 = 1

= 90P
Le., the first minimum will be formed at 90° from the incident light. Hence the central
maximumn will occupy the entire space on the screen. For all slit widths less than the
wavelength, only the central maximum will be formed on the screen. As the slit width
a' is increased, the central maximum will shrink and an increasing number of minima
and secondary maxima will be seen. For very large slit widths, the minima and also the
TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS- An up thrust for knowledge
 distance
2.2.6.
Fig. slit. lens Width Dependence
intoincreases. secondary Applied
diffraction
If
wavelengthAs
is
HenceConsider
which purplewhite Physics
For minimum,
a of
sin For n of central
1st Hence pattern
maximawill
0 the the is a and light
the
screen of I|-
minimum, =
LensSlit distance
first then is thspectrum
e
n focalmaximum will
minimum used,
placed red spectrum
CHNICAL length
'D' increased, not
n away the come
of on be
=1 in observed.
TIONS-
from the ofthe fromcentre wavelength
becomes very
screen the the
the focal the of angle close
2.2.6
Fig.
lens.
centre from plane centre. thewider.
An
Generally central at
to 2-8

up which the of each

thrust which
slit the maximum other
for is isthe lens,
kowBodou formednearly lens nh
and
ie., order
Sereen is is merge
equal
atplaced at
a white
angle minimum
distance
to
which due
'ß f.very Diffraction
Lightof
asLetclosetheto to
f first is which
shown 'd from
be formed
tums
in the the the
 Applied Physics | | Dittraction of Light
2-9

sin =

Generally, the angle '8 is very small.

sin 9

= .. (2.2.10)

'e is half angular width of central maximum.

Also, tan

From Fig. 2.2.6,

tan@=
d ... (2.2.11)
D
From equations (2.2.10) and (2.2.11),
d
D
DA
d =

The total width of central maximum is

2DA .. (2.2.12)
W = 2d =

Diffraction at a circuiar aperture

When a circulär aperture is used in Fraunhofer diffraction, the diffraction pattern
consists of a central bright disc, called the Airy's disc, surrounded by fainter rings. The
condition for minimum intensity in single slit is
a sin 6 = n

where n = 1, 2, 3, ....

For small 0, sin 0 9

n
9 =

For circular apertures, n is not an integer.

For 1s dark ring, n =1.22
1.22 A
=

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS"- An up thrust for knowedge

 Diflraction of Light
Apptied Physics - lI 2-10

For first bright ring, n = 1.635

1.6352

For second dark ring, n = 2.233

2.233 2
0 =

Solved Examples for Understanding

Example 2.2.1 A slit of width 'a' is illuminated by white light. For what value of 'a' will the
first minimum for red light fall at an angle of 30° ? Wavelength of red light is 6500 A°.
Solution : For minimum intensity in single slit,
a sin 0= 1

8=30, n = 1, 6500 A° = 6500 × 10 cm

asn
n
sin
1x6500x10-8
sin 30

a = 1.3 x10-4 cm

Example 2.2.2 Calculate the angular separation between the first order minima on either side
of central maxima when slit is 6x 10 Cm wide and = 6000 A°.
Solution: For minimum intensity in single slit,
a sin = n
a = 6X10* cm

n= 1. 2= 6000 A° = 6000 × 10-8 cm

n
1x6000x 10-8
a sin 0 = * =
6X10-4
sin = 0.1

8- 5° 44'21"
Angular separation between the first order minima
= 20 = 2X5° 44'21" = 11° 28' 42"

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS- An up thrust for knowiedoe

Applied Physics - I
2-11 Dittraction of Light

Example 2.2.3 A single slit diffraction pattern is formed using

white light. For twns
wavelength of light does the second minimum coicide with the third minimum for the
wavelength 4000 A° ?
Salution: Condition for minimum intensity in single slit is
a sin = n
For second order minimum of wavelength '2 formed at angle 6,
a sin 0 = 2a .. (1)
For third minimum of wavelength 4000 A,
Q sin 6 3 × 4000 .. (2)

From equations (1) and (2),

22 = 3×4000

A = 6000 A°

Example 2.24 A slit of width 0.16 mm. is illuminated by a monochromatic light of

zOoelength 5600 A°. Find hatf angular width of a principal maximum.
Solution : The angle 0, at which the first minimum is formed, is the half angular width
of central maximum. For minimum intensity,
a sin 0 = n
a = 0.16 mm= 0.16 x10-3 m

1. = 1for first minimum

d = 5600 A° = 5600% 10-10 m
0.16x 10-3 sin 0 = 1x 5600x 10-10

=0.2°= 0 12' 1.93"

Example 2.2.5 Find the half angular width of the central maximum in the Fraunhofer
difraction pattern of a slit of width 12 x 10° cm, when illuminated by light of
ovelength 6000 A°.
Solution : For minimum intensity,
a sin 0 = n
a = 12 x 10 cm

n = 1for first minimum

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS- An up thrust or knowledge
 Applied Physics - II 2-12 Diffraction of Light

A = 6000 A° = 6000x 10 cm
12x 105 sin = 1x 6000x 10
0=30

Example 2.2.6 A slit of width 2 um is illuminated by light of wavelength 6500 A". Calculate
the angle at which the first minimum will be observed.
Solution : For uiinimum intensity,
a sin 6 = n

a = 2 Am = 2x 10-6 m
n = 1 for first minimum
J
A = 6500 A°= 6500x 10-10 m
2x 106 sin = 1x 6500× 10-10

9 18.97o
Exe:nple 2.2.7 A slit of width 0.3 mm is illuminated by a light of wavelength 5890 A. A
lens whose focal length is 40 cm forms a Fraunhofer diffraction pattern. Calcualte the
distance between first dark and the next bright fringe form the axis. May-15, Marks 5
Solution :

f = 40 cm, A= 5890 A° = 5890 x 108 cm

a= 0.3 mm = 0.03 cm

40×5890x 10-8
d =
0.03

d= 0,079 cmn d
d= 0.79 mm

2.3 Double Slit Diffraction May-11

Consider a paralle beam of light of wavelength incident on two slits each of width
'a' and separated by opaque space of width 'b' as shown in Fig. 2.3.1.
Erom theoryóf diffraction at a single slit, the amplitude due to a single slit for angle
of diffraction is given by,

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS - An up thust for knowledge

 Appled Physics - | 2-13 DIfiractkon of Light

a
Eg =mSin Em,sin a

where a =

As the two slits are identical, each slit

gives the same amplitude. The path b (a+ b)
difference between the two contributions is a
BC as shown in Fig. 2.3.1. From A ABC,
BC = AB sin 0 Fig. 2.3.1

BC = (a + b) sin 0

The phase difference between the two amplitude vectors is say 2 B. Then,

28 -a+ )sin0 ... (2.3.1)

Thus we have two amplitude vectors of same magnitude Eg and the angle between
them is 2 B. Hence the resultant amplitude by parallelogram law is,
Re = JEg +E, + 2(E) E) cos2
J2 E, (1+ cos 28)
= J2E· 2cos?
R¹ = 2 Eg cosB
sin a
Re = 2 Em a cosß
The resultant intensity at angle will be

sin a cos? * ... (2.3.2)

Here is the diffraction term. cosB is the interference term as it is

two slits.
obtained due to the superimposition of contributions from
2
sin a in the intensity has a cerntral maximum at =0
The diffraction term (Em a
side of the central
which extends upto the two first minimum intensities on either
maximum at

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS - An up thrust for knowledge

Applied Physics - I 2-14 Difraction of Light

0 = sin1

The interference term cosB has maxima for ß = ma, where m = 0, ±1, ±2, ..
As

Ta+b) sin 8 = mN

(a +b) sin = mi, m =0, t 1, +2, ...

Hence interference maxima is obtained at angles given by
ma
e= sina+b) ; m = 0, ± 1, ±2, ...

Consider a particular case where b = 2a. Then the interference maxima will be
obtained at angles of
(m
e = sin m= 0, ±1, t2, ...
3a

Considering only one side of the incident direction, ie. m= 0, 1, 2, ..

,5A 27
o= 0, sin -13a' sin-123a' sin-1 , sin -1 4, sÉn-1 sin-1,...
From these values of , we find that the interference maima at 8 = 0, sin and

sin-1= he completely within the central maimum of the diffraction term. The
interference maximum at = sin1 coincides with the minimum of diffraction term.
The first secondary maximum of diffraction term lies between = sin-l and
a

=sin-1 2

The interference maxima at 0= sin-1 and sin-1 a

ies within this first
22
secondary maximum. The interference maximum at = sin coincides with the
second minimum of the diffraction term.

The diffraction term the interference term cosß and the resultant
intensity distribution of the double slit are shown in Fig. 2.3.2. (Refer Fig. 2.3.2 on next
page).
TECHNICAL PUBUCATIONS- An up thrust for knowodge
Agaled Phyysics-| Dittraction of Light
2-15

hanging the relation between b and a will change the number of interference
the
maxima that lie within the central maximum of the diffraction pattern which has
largest intensity.

na

sin

M sinsinsi sinsin

sinsin 12 sin'
344 36

Fig. 2.3.2

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS. An up thrust lor knowedge

Applied Physics - Il Diffraction of Ligh
2-16

The intensity in double slit is

Em sin a cosB

For maximum intensity,

B = mn

(a+b) sin = mn; m= 0, 1, 2, ...

(a +b) sin = ma ... (2.3.3)

where m = 0, 1, 2, ...
For minimum intensity,
I= 0
cos?B = 0
m= 0,1,2, ...

..
a+b) sin @ = ... (2.3.4)

where m = 0, 1, 2, ...
Missing orders
3
When condition for maximum intensity in interference term and the condition for
minimum intensity in diffraction term are simultaneously satisfied, those orders are
missing from the spectrum.
The condition for maximumn intensity in interference term is,
(a+b) sin 6 = m2 (2.3.5)
The condition for minimum intensity diffraction term is,
a sin = n
... (2.3.6)
Díviding equation (2.3.5) by equation (2.3.6),
a+b
n

m =
( (2.3.7)

Only integer values of m obtaned trom above equation are the missing orders.
TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS- An up thrust lor knowlodoe
Aooled Physics-| Diffraction of Light
2-17

Solved Examples for Understanding

BExample 2.3.1 Deduce the missing orders for

double slit Fraunhofer diffraction pattern f
slit widths are 0.16 mm and they are 0.8 mm apart. May-11
Solution : The missing orders are given by
m =
47C
a0.16 mm ; b = 0.8 mm;n=1,2.3.
(0.16+0.8) n =6 n
0.16

m =6,12, 18,
)
24 Plane Diffraction Grating Dec.-08,09,11,13,14,15 May-09,10,11,12,13,14,16
Aplane diffraction grating consists of large number of parallel slits ofconstructed
equal width
by
separated by opaque spaces. All opaque spaces have equal width. It is
drawing lines on a flat glass plate using a fine diamond point. The line becomes opaque
and the region between two lines, which is transparent, acts as the slit.
Let a = Width of each slit.
b = Width of each opaque space.
N = Total number of lines on the grating.
then d = a + b= Width of a line (grating element)
1
a+b
= Number of lines per unit length.

Consider a parallel beam of light incident normally on the grating and diffracted
through an angle ' as shown in Fig. 2.4.1. (See Fig. 2.4.1 on next page)
As all slits are of equal width, resultant amplitude of light transmitted by them will
De same at angle . From theory of single slit diffraction, this amplitude is given by,
Em sin a
Ej = Ez=....=EN =

where a=asin and E is the maximum amplitude.

The path difference between adjacent amplitude vectors is

BC = (a + b) sin 0

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS- An up thrust for knowledge

 Applied Physics - | 2-18 Difraction of Ligh
E

EN

Fig. 24.1
.:. Phase difference (28) between them is
2
2B (a+b) sin

ß=7 (a+b) sine ... (2.4.1)

Thus there are N amplitude vectors of equal amplitude E with constant phase
difference 2ß between adjacent vectors. The resultant amplitude Eg is given by,
(2.4.2)

As intensity is proportional to square the amplitude,

sin NB)
... (2.4.3)

Here I( 9 which is intensity from single slit diffraction, is the diffraction term
2
(sin NB) is the interference term due 'N' slits.
and
sin ß

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONs An up thrust for knowlodoe

AgaliedPhysics-I| Difiraction of Light
2-19

Principal maxima
Principal maxima are obtained for sin B = 0, i.e., for B=mn where m = 0, ± 1, ± 2 .

: (a+b) sin = mx
= m1 ... (2.4.4)
. (a + b) sin b

Equation (24.4) gives the angles 'Ø for which principal maxima are formed.
'n' is called the order of the spectrum.
For B= mn, the termn P becomes indeterminate. Hence, taking limis
sin ß
as BmT in equation (2.4.4), we get,
sin NB|
LBmx sin B

Using L'Hospital's rule,

d(sin NB)1
d(sin ß)

= Im Nos
cosBNg
1
For B= mA,cOs N B= cos N m n =±1 and cos B=

Ig = Im

.. (2.4.5)
lg = N2 I
Ig = N'x Intensity due to single slit.
increase in the number of
Hence the intensity of principal maxima increases with
lines on the grating
Minima
For minimum intensity, l¡ =0
sin NB = 0
sin ß
but sin ß 0
sin N B = 0
NB = but B lx where n and l are integers.

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS- An up thrust lor knowlede

Applied Physics - II 2- 20 Diffraction of Light

B = where MUst not be an integer.

N
n = 1,2, 3, .. (N -1), (N + 1), (N + 2), ..(2N -1), (2N + 1), .
or, n 0, N, 2N, . . .as these values of 'n' give principal maxima.
as
B=(a+b) sin 9
a tb) sin @ N

:. (a + b) sin = ...(24.6)
N
where n = 1, 2, ... (N- 1), (N+ 1), (N + 2), .. (2N - 1), (2N+1) ....
From the above values of 'n', we can see that there are (N-1) minimum intensities
betweern any two adjacent principal maxima.
Secondary maxima
Between any two adjacent minimum intensities, there is a secondary maximum. As
there are (N-1) minimum intensities, there will be (N-2) secondary maxima between
adjacent principal maxima.
The intensity distribution in diffraction from a grating is as shown in Fig. 2.4.2.

The interference term in the equation for intensity is and the diffraction term
sin28
Sin a) 2
is (Em . These terms are showWn in Fig. 2.4.3 on one side of the central maximnum.

(Refer Fig. 2.4.3 on next page).

Maximum order

Fig. 24.2

TECHNICAL PUBUCATIONS- An up thrust for knowodge

Applied Physics -| Diffraction of Light
2-21

sin N8

sinp
MWWWMW 3

0
2
sin Np
sins
(nterference term)
N

\Aaa,

sin(

0 anuaan\aauanaAama
Fig. 24.3
TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS- An up thrust or konowlodoe
 Difiraction of Light
Applied Physics - 2-22

The condition for principal maxima is

(a + b) sin 8 = m
For m= mmar sin 0 = 1
(a + b) = mmar A
a+b ... (2.4.7)
mmar

Note : m,may is the integer part of

Absent spectra
For mth order principal maximum,
(a + b) sin = ma

For minimum intensity in single slit,

1 sin 0 = n

the same angle '8, then m

If these two conditions are simultaneously satisfied for
equation by the second, we
order principal maximum will be absent. Dividing the first
get,
a+b

-(*) ... (2.4.8)

where n=l, 2, 3, .... and n is an integer.

Note : To find absent spectra, find the smallest integer value of nby putting
will be absent. e.g. if
n = 1, 2, ... Al integer multiples of this smallest integer value
smallest value o f n =3 n, then m = 3, 6, 9, upto maximum order will be absent.
be absent.
If mm, = 5, then only m=3 will
Determination of Wavelength
Diffraction grating can be used in the laboratory to determine the wavelength of a
monochromatic source. The experimental set up is as shown in Fig. 2.44. The
page)
experimental procedure is as follows : (See Fig. 2.4.4 on next
adjusted for parallel
1) The spectrometer (consisting of the collimator and telescope) is
is the condition required for Fraunhofer diftraction.
light

TECHNICAL PUBUCATIONS An up thrust for knowodgo

Apliod Physics - I| 2-23 Ditfraction of Light

no
I order
T order Central GANGHVI
maximum
Source Telescope
Colimator
Lorder
Grating
nd order
22684
Fig. 2.4.4

2) The diffraction grating is mounted on a prism table between the collimator and the
telescope and adjusted for normal incidence.
3) The position of telescope is adjusted so that the cross wire of its eyepiece coincides
with the central maximum and the corresponding reading on the vernier scale is
noted.
4) The telescope is moved to one side of the central maximum and readings are
recorded for the first and second order principal maxima.
5) The telescope is now moved to the other side of the central maximum and
readings are recorded for the first and second order principal maxima.
6) The angles of the first and second order maxima from the central maxima are
calculated.
7) The grating element is calculated using the equation
1
(a+b) = Number of lines per unit length
The number of lines per unit length is specified on the grating by the
manufacturer.

8) The wavelength is deternmined from first order using

(a+b) sin e = 1
and from the second order using
(a+b) sin8 = 21
unknown
9) The mean wavelength is then determined which is the wavelength of the
monochromatic source.

Dispersion
As the condition for principal maimum is (a + b) sin =m i, the mth order
principal maxima of different wavelengths will be produced at different angles. Hence
TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS - An up thrust for knowledge
Applied Physics - II 2-24 Diffraction of Light

colours will be separated in the diffraction pattern which is called dispersion.

Differentiating the above equation with respect to d,
d6
(a+b) cos = m

... (2.4.9)
(a +b) cos
is called dispersive power of the grating.

University Questions

Q.1 What is meant by diffraction grating? How it is useful for determination of wavelength of
monochromatic source? Dec.-08, Marks 8

Q.2 What is grating and grating element? Explain the experimental method of determination
of wavelength of spectral line using diffraction grating. Dec,-09, Marks 10
Q.3 What is diffraction grating? What is the advantage of increasing the number of lnes
grating? May-10. Dec.-11, Marke3
Q4 Explain how the wavelength of a spectral line can be determined in the laboratory using a
May-11, Marks 5
plane transmission grating.
Q.5 Derive the condition for absent spectra in grating. May-13, Marks 5
What is grating element ? Derive condition for maximum diffraction at difraction
grating. May-14, Marks 5
Q.7 What is grating and grating element ? Dec.-14, Marks 3
Q.8 FoT plane transmission grating prove that d sin nå, n = 1, 2, 3, ..
Dec.-15, Marke 5

Q.9 Explain the experimental method to determine the wanelength of spectral line using
diffraction grating? May 16, Marks 5

Solved Examples for Understanding

Example 2.4.1 How many orders will be observed by grating having 4000 lines per cm, if it
is illuminated by light of wavelength in the range 5000 A° to 7000 A° ? May-09
Solution : The maximum order visible with a grating is given by
a +b
=
Mmax

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS- An up thrust for knowkodge