Electroformed Single Slits
Safety Warnings
Warning: Laser Safety - Class 2 and 3R Lasers
Purpose
Students observe single-slit Fraunhofer diffraction patterns produced by a laser through precision electroformed slits of different widths. Comparing the patterns demonstrates the inverse relationship between slit width and diffraction pattern width, providing direct evidence of light's wave nature.
Figure 1:
Single-slit diffraction pattern showing the characteristic bright central maximum flanked by progressively dimmer secondary maxima. The pattern demonstrates the wave nature of light and the inverse relationship between slit width and pattern width.
Figure 2:
Electroformed slit slide with four precisely manufactured slits of different widths (0.02mm, 0.04mm, 0.08mm, 0.16mm). The precision fabrication ensures sharp, uniform edges necessary for producing clear diffraction patterns and quantitative measurements.
Figure 3:
Complete optical setup showing the laser source, horizontally-adjustable slit carriage, and reflection shield mounted on an optical rail. The modular design allows for easy alignment and adjustment of the source-to-screen distance to optimize pattern visibility.