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Determination of Wavelength of Light Using A Diffraction Grating

The document describes an experiment to determine the wavelength of laser light using diffraction grating. A laser beam is directed at a diffraction grating and the diffraction pattern is observed on a screen at a distance D. The positions of the central maximum and surrounding maxima are measured. Using the grating spacing N, angular positions, and equations, the wavelength can be calculated from the diffraction pattern. Experimental results are shown in tables to determine the wavelength of the laser and N-value of an unknown grating. Potential sources of error in measurements are also discussed.

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133 views2 pages

Determination of Wavelength of Light Using A Diffraction Grating

The document describes an experiment to determine the wavelength of laser light using diffraction grating. A laser beam is directed at a diffraction grating and the diffraction pattern is observed on a screen at a distance D. The positions of the central maximum and surrounding maxima are measured. Using the grating spacing N, angular positions, and equations, the wavelength can be calculated from the diffraction pattern. Experimental results are shown in tables to determine the wavelength of the laser and N-value of an unknown grating. Potential sources of error in measurements are also discussed.

Uploaded by

subhradip
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Determination of Wavelength of light using a diffraction Grating

Apparatus: Diffraction grating, laser source and Meter scale

Theory: Let the parallel beam of light of wavelength λ coming from laser source fall normally on
a plane transmission diffraction grating placed with the lines parallel to the slit. If θ is the angle of
diffraction of the nth primary maxima and N number of lines per cm ruled on the grating then
sin θ
λ= (i )
kN
When N is known, the wavelength of laser source can be determined from equation (i) by
measuring λ for a particular order of the spectrum.

Procedure:
Place the laser source in front of the diffraction grating and switch it on. Diffraction pattern can be
seen on the meter scale, acting as the screen, placed at a distance D. The pattern consists of a bright
central maxima and number of secondary maxima on either side of the central maxima. Note the
position of the central maxima, 1st 2nd 3rd order secondary maxima on the scale. Measure the
distance between the diffraction grating and the screen with the help of a scale (i.e., meter scale).
Hence calculate the value of wavelength of laser source.

Experimental Results:

Table 1
Determination of the wavelength of laser source

Distance between the plane transmission grating and the scale D = ____ cm
N = __________ lines/inch = _________ lines/cm

Position Order Scale reading Difference Difference Average Sinθ= sin θ


of the no. for the between between distance of 2
λ=
d kN
central diffracted central central diffracted 2 In
maxima k images at and left and right images from D +d
2
cm
on the (cm) image image central
scale (cm) Left Right reading reading maxima
(=x cm) (=y cm) d=(x+y)/2
Table 2
Determination of the “N” of an unknown gating

Distance between the plane transmission grating and the scale D = ____ cm
Wavelength of laser light λ = _______ cm (from table 1)
Position Order Scale reading Difference Difference Average Sinθ= sin θ
N =
of the no. for the between between distance of d2 kλ
central diffracted central central diffracted -1

maxima k images at and left and right images from D 2 + d 2 cm


on the Left Right image image central
scale (cm) reading reading maxima
(=x cm) (=y cm) d=(x+y)/2

Results:
Wavelength of laser light λ = _______ nm

“N” of an unknown grating =________ lines/inch

Error Calculations:

δλ δd dδd DδD
= + 2 + 2
λ d d +D 2
d + D2

where, δd = δD=2×0.1cm [because to get a particular distance we take two readings on the scale]

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