Diffraction

58 | APPLIED PHYSICS - II
2. DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT
2.1 Introduction
The corpuscular theory proposed by Newton successfully explained the ordinary laws of
reflection and refraction of light. This theory, however, could not be explained satisfactorily the
other phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and polarization. The wave theory of light
advanced by the Dutch physicist, Christian Huygen accounted for all the above mentioned
optical phenomena.
The beautiful natural phenomena like silver lining sometimes seen around the clouds and
coronas surrounding the sun or moon are attributed to the diffraction (bending) of light waves
around atmospheric particles. In the seventeenth century Francesco Maria Grimaldi observed
the effects of breaking up of light into different directions and coined the term diffraction from
the Latin word diffractus meaning to break into pieces.
Diffraction of light has many applications in the realm of science and technology. It is the
phenomenon of diffraction (x-ray diffraction) by which British biophysicist Rosalind Franklin
revealed the double helical structure of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) that helped scientists
understand how genetic qualities pass from parents to children.
Diffraction of Light
When a beam of light passes through an aperture or past the edge of an opaque obstacle and is
made to fall upon a screen, patterns of bright and dark bands (with monochromatic light) or
coloured bands (with white light) are seen near the edges of the beam, and extend into the
geometric shadow. This phenomenon, which is a particular case of interference, is due to wave
nature of light, and is known as diffraction. The phenomenon of diffraction is common to all
wave motions.
In 1815, Augustin Fresnel, a French engineer, on the basis of Huygens’ wave theory of light,
demonstrated successfully the bending of light beam round the obstacles. In fact, his in depth
study and calculation of diffraction supported Huygens’ wave theory of light.
The term diffraction of light can also be defined as the change in the directions and intensities of
a group of waves on passing by an obstacle or through an aperture. Diffraction effect depends
upon the size of obstacle. The wavelength range of visible light is 4000 Å to 7800 Å. Thus the
diffraction of light can be seen clearly if size of the obstacle or opening is approximately the
same as the wavelength of the light. Since the ordinary obstacles are million times larger than
the wavelength of light the amount of bending is vanishingly small and therefore light seems to
travel in straight lines without any deviation.
2.2 Difference between Interference and Diffraction
Nobel Prize winner American theoretical physicist Richard Feynman who was ranked one of the
ten greatest physicists of all time said “no one has ever been able to define the difference
between interference and diffraction satisfactorily. It is just a question of usage, and there is no
specific, important physical difference between them.”
DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT | 59
However from the nature of the patterns following points of differentiation can be mentioned.
1. Interference is meeting of two waves while diffraction is bending of waves around the
obstacle.
2. Interference is produced by two separate wave fronts originating from two coherent
sources whereas the secondary wavelets originating from different parts of the same wave
front constitute diffraction.
3. In interference the region of minimum intensity is perfectly dark but in diffraction they
are not perfectly dark.
4. In interference the width of the fringes is equal however in diffraction they are never
equal.
5. In interference all the bight fringes have equal intensity whereas in diffraction intensity of
bright fringes goes on decreasing as the order of maxima increases.
2.3 Types of Diffraction
Diffraction effects are classified into following two general classes:
(a) Fresnel Diffraction: Fresnel diffraction or near-field diffraction is concerned mainly
with what happens to light in the immediate neighbourhood of a diffracting object or
aperture, so is only of concern when the illumination source is close by.
In Fresnel diffraction,
1. Source and screen are at finite distances from the diffracting obstacle.
2. Incident wavefronts are spherical.
3. Wave fronts leaving the obstacle or the opening are also spherical.
4. Convex lens is not needed to converge the spherical wavefronts.
Fig: 2.1 Fresnel diffraction

(b) Fraunhoffer Diffraction: Fraunhoffer diffraction or far-field diffraction is the light-
spreading effect of an aperture when the aperture (or object) is lit by plane waves, i.e.,
waves that effectively come from a source that is infinitely far away.
Fig: 2.2 Fraunhoffer diffraction

In Fraunhoffer diffraction,
1. Source and the screen are at infinite distances from the diffracting body.
2. Incident wave fronts on the diffracting obstacle are plane.
3. Diffracting obstacle give rise to wave fronts which are also plane.
4. Plane diffracting wave fronts are converged by means of a convex lens to produce
diffraction pattern.
Because of Fraunhoffer diffraction, a telescope can never form a perfect image. A point-like
source, for example, will be seen as a small disk surrounded by a series of rings; a thin line on a
planet will become widened into a band, which decreases in intensity on both sides. The only
way to overcome the limitations of diffraction is to use a telescope of larger aperture.
2.4 Fraunhoffer Diffraction at Single Slit
Consider a narrow vertical slit AB of width ܽ on which a beam of monochromatic light of
wavelength λ rendered parallel by the collimating lens L1 falls normally.
According to the rectilinear propagation of light the transmitted parallel beam should produce a
bright band of exactly the same size as the slit at point P in the focal plane of the lens L (the
objective lens of the telescope). However, in practice, due to the bending of light, a diffraction
pattern is obtained consisting of a central wide bright band with a border of a few narrower
alternate bright and dark bands whose intensities go on decreasing as they are farther from the
central band as shown in Fig. 2.3.
There is no necessity of keeping the screen at infinity since the convex lens does away with this
necessity. The width of the central band (known as zero order or central maximum) and the
outer bands increases on reducing the width of the slit.
The explanation of the diffraction pattern obtained on the screen can be given employing
Huygens’ wave theory of light as follows:
(a) Central Maximum: The point P on the axis OP is always bright because the disturbances
from all parts of the wave front reaching the slit are in the same phase and on travelling
equal distances arrive at P in phase.
As we move away from the central maximum, the secondary waves from different parts
of the slit make different angles θ with the axis and travel different distances to reach the
points like P1, P2……. etc. on the screen with gradual increase in the path differences.
Fig: 2.3 Fraunhoffer diffraction at single slit

th
(b) Condition for n order Minima: Adjoining the central maximum is the first minimum.
To understand the formation of first minima it is convenient to divide the wavefront AB
into two halves AO and OB as shown in Fig. (2.3).
The effect at Q1 would be caused by the interference of waves starting from the two
halves. A perpendicular AC is drawn to BC. As seen in Fig. (2.3), there is a path
difference between the secondary waves emanating from B and A reaching at point Q1.
If the path difference BC equals the wavelength λ (or full multiple of λ) of the incident
monochromatic light then point Q1 is dark. This is because if BC =λ then OD =λ/2. This
implies that the light waves emanating from the upper and lower halves of AB destroy
each other by interference.
From Fig. 2.4,
Path difference (BC) = AB sinθ1
Path difference = a sinθ1
Ʌͳ ൌ ɉ (First order dark minima) (2.1)
where, θ1 gives direction of the first order dark minima above and below the central
maxima.
Fig: 2.4
Using the above argument it can be said if the path difference AB = 2λ, then the slit AB
can be imagined to be divided into four equal parts as shown in Fig. (2.5). Hence the
condition for second order minima on both sides of the principal maximum is
ൌ Ʌʹ ൌ ʹɉ (Second order minima)
θ2 gives direction of the second order dark minima above and below the central maxima.
Fig. 2.5
In order to write conditions for third, fourth and so on, the slit AB can be imagined to be divided
into six, eight equal parts. Thus the direction θn in which the nth order minima is produced is
given by,
ࢇ ࢙࢏࢔ ࣂ࢔ ൌ ࢔ࣅ where ࢔ ൌ ૚ǡ ૛ǡ ૜ǡ ǥ ǤǤ(nth order minima) (2.2)
Calculation of linear distance of the first minima from the central maximum on the screen
In general, the location of the ݊th order minima would be given by,
ܽ‫ ݊ߠ ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ ݊ߣ
The direction θ1 in which the first order minima is
ܽ ‫ ͳߠ ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ ߣ
ߣ
ฺ ‫ ͳߠ ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ (2.3)
ܽ
If the lens L is very close to the slit or if the screen is far away from the slit, then
‫ͳݔ‬
‫ ͳߠ ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ (from Fig.2.3) (2.4)
݂
Equating Eqns. (2.3) and (2.4) we get,

ߣ ‫ͳݔ‬
‫ ͳߠ ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ ൌ
ܽ ݂
݂ߣ
ฺ ‫ ͳݔ‬ൌ (2.5)
ܽ
Equation (2.5) gives the linear distance of the first minima from the central maximum on the
screen.
Since the linear distance of the first minima from the central maximum on either side on the
ɉ ʹɉ
screen is , the linear width of the central maximum will be very approximately equal to .

Secondary Maxima
The bright band P1 next to the first minima is the first secondary (subsidiary) maxima. It is half
way between the first minima and the second minima. For the first secondary maxima to occur
the path difference BC should be equal to 3λ/2. This condition can be arrived at by dividing in
imagination the wavefront AB into three equal parts AD, DE and EB each differing from the
adjacent portion by λ/2 as shown in Fig.2.5 (a).
Now, any two adjacent portions (AD and DE or DE and EB) destroy each other leaving the third
portion (AD or EB) free to produce first secondary maxima. This maxima is weak because it is
produced by only the third portion of the wavefront AB.
The direction θ1 in which the first order secondary maxima is produced is given by,
͵ɉ
ൌ Ʌͳ ൌ
ʹ
͵ɉ
Ʌͳ ൌ (first secondary maxima) (2.6)
ʹ
Fig: 2.5 (a)

If the path difference is BC =5λ/2 then the wavefront AB can be imagined to be divided into
five equal parts and the second secondary maxima would be still weaker as it is produced by the
fifth portion of the wavefront. Thus the intensity of the secondary maxima shades off rapidly as
they are farther from the central maximum.
In general, the condition for nth secondary maxima is given by,
ɉ
Ʌ ൌ ሺʹ ൅ ͳሻ (secondary maxima) where n = 1,2,3….
ʹ
Calculation of the linear distance of the first secondary maxima P1 from the central
maxima
The direction in which ݊th secondary maxima is located is given by
ɉ
Ʌ ൌ ሺʹ ൅ ͳሻ (2.7)
ʹ
Thus the position of first secondary maxima on either side of the central maxima is given by,
͵ɉ
Ʌͳ ൌ (2.8)
ʹ
If lens L is very close to the slit, then
ͳ
Ʌͳ ൌ (from Fig: 2.5 a) (2.9)

Equating eqns. (2.8) and (2.9) we get
ͳ ͵ɉ ͵ɉ
ൌ ฺ‫ ͳ ׵‬ൌ (2.10)
ʹ ʹ
Equation (2.10) gives the linear distance of the first secondary maxima P1 from the central
maxima on the screen.
Intensity of Diffraction Pattern

To determine the intensity distribution due to the single slit diffraction, the plane wave front
incident on the slit AB of width a can be imagined to be divided into a large number of
infinitesimally small strips each of width ȟ. Each small strip acts as a source of coherent
radiation wavelets and the secondary wavelets originating from it can be represented by a short
phasor. As the incident light is parallel, the amplitude of vibration of the waves from each strip
can be taken to be the same.
Consider the secondary waves originating from slit AB travelling through an angle θ to
direction of OP. Each strip contributes an electric field of amplitude ο arriving at point P1 on
the screen point on the screen. The total electric field E at point P1 on the screen can be
calculated by adding amplitude of vibration of the waves of each strip.
Let’s the slit AB of width ‘a’ imagined to be divided into a large number of infinitesimally
small strips each of width ȟ , so we can write,
ൌ οͳ ൅ οʹ ൅ ο͵ ൅ήήή ൅ο
Fig 2.6 (a) Fig 2.6 (b)
The path difference between the secondary wavelets diffracting through an angle θ from
individual strip of width ο is given by,
Path difference ൌ οɅ (From Fig. 2.6 b)
ʹɎ
‫ ׵‬Phase difference, οԄ ൌ
ɉ
ʹɎ
οԄ ൌ οɅ (2.11)
ɉ
where, οԄ be the phase difference between the secondary wavelets originating from individual
strip of widthο.
Consider secondary wavelets originating from various small strips travelling in the direction of
OP are parallel and in phase. The total phase differences Ԅ of these wavelets are equal to zero.
Therefore the point P on screen corresponds to the central principle maxima. The resultant
amplitude Eθ at point P is the vector sum of these phasors. The amplitude of the resultant wave
has its maximum value equal to Em.
Ʌ ൌ ο
Ʌ ൌ
Now consider the secondary wavelets arriving from all strips at point P1 on the screen at an
angle θ to direction of OP. As θ increases, the phase difference increases infinitesimally small
amount from strip to strip.
Ԅ be the total phase difference between the waves originating from the top and bottom edge of
the slit width ‘a’ and is given by,
ʹɎ
Ԅ ൌ οԄ ൌ οɅ
ɉ
ʹɎ
Ԅ ൌ Ʌ (2.12)
ɉ
The amplitude of secondary wavelets from each small strip is same for a parallel beam of
incident light. It can be represented by a small vector is known as phasor. The resultant
amplitude at point P1 on the screen can be obtained by adding amplitude of vibration of the
waves from each strip using phasor diagram shown in figure (2.7) .
Fig. 2.7
From above figure, ‫ס‬ACB =Ԅ
arc AB = Em = maximum amplitude at the centre of the diffraction pattern.
chord AB = Eθ = resultant amplitude of wave at point P1.
Ԅ Ɏ
From figure (‫ס‬ACN ) = (‫ס‬BCN) =Ƚ ൌ ൌ Ʌ
ʹ ɉ
Ʌ ൗ
Ԅ ʹ
൬ ൰ ൌ ൌ
ʹ
Ԅ
Ʌ ൌ ʹ ቀ ቁ (2.13)
ʹ
We know,

ൌ ൌԄൌ

ൌ
Ԅ
Put R in Equation (2.13)
Ԅ
Ʌ ൌ ʹ ൬ ൰
Ԅ ʹ
Ƚ
Ʌ ൌ ቂ ቃ
Ƚ
The intensity at each point on the screen is proportional to the square of the amplitude given by,
Ƚ ʹ
Ʌ ൌ ൤ ൨ ሺʹǤͳͶሻ
Ƚ
Where, Iθ is the intensity of the nth side maximum and
Im is the intensity of the central maximum.
Intensity of Central Maximum
The principal maximum is formed at θ = 0 i.e this maximum is formed by the parts of the
secondary wavelets that travel normally to the slit. Hence the intensity at the center of the
diffraction pattern is Im which is the maximum intensity.
Minimum Intensity
The intensity at point P1 is zero when sin Ƚ = 0. The values of α which satisfy this condition are
α = ± n π where n = 1, 2, 3, ……
The condition for minimum intensity at point P1 is,
Ԅ Ɏ
Ƚൌ ൌ Ʌ ൌ േɎ
ʹ ɉ
Ʌ ൌ േɉ (2.15)
The equation (2.15) gives point of minimum intensity lies on either side of central principle
maximum.
Intensity of Secondary Maxima
The weak secondary maxima lies on either side of central principle maximum i.e approximately
halfway between the two minima.
Therefore condition for secondary maxima is given by,
Ƚ ൌ േሺʹ ൅ ͳሻɎ where n = 1, 2, 3,….
Ԅ Ɏ Ɏ
Ƚൌ ൌ Ʌ ൌ ሺʹ ൅ ͳሻ
ʹ ɉ ʹ
Putting this condition in Eqn. (2.14) we have the relative intensity of secondary maxima as
Ɏ ʹ
Ʌ ቀ Ʌቁ
ൌ ቎ Ɏ ɉ ቏
ቀ Ʌቁ
ɉ
Ɏ ʹ
Ʌ ሺʹ ൅ ͳሻ
ൌ ቎ ʹ
Ɏ ቏
ሺʹ ൅ ͳሻ
ʹ
Ʌ ͳ
ൌ ሺʹǤͳ͸ሻ
ሺʹ ൅ ͳሻʹ ൫Ɏൗ ൯ʹ
ʹ
Putting n = 1, 2, 3, we have
Ʌ
ൌ ͲǤͲͶͷǢ ͲǤͲͳ͸Ǣ ͲǤͲͲͺǢǥ ǤǤ

Thus the successive maxima decrease in intensity rapidly. The relative intensity distribution in
single slit diffraction pattern is shown in the following Fig. 2.7 (a).
Fig: 2.7(a) Intensity distribution in single slit
For first order maxima n = 1 which gives,

Ʌ Ͷ
ൌ ʹ ൌ ͲǤͲͶͷ
ͻɎ
For second order maxima n = 2 which gives,
Ʌ Ͷ
ൌ ൌ ͲǤͲͳ͸
ʹͷɎʹ
For third order maxima n = 3 which gives,

Ʌ Ͷ
ൌ ൌ ͲǤͲͲͺ
ͶͻɎʹ
Thus that the intensities of secondary maxima decrease very rapidly
2.5 Fraunhoffer Diffraction at Double Slit
Let us see how the diffraction pattern obtained with single slit diffraction is modified when the
double slit is used. Consider two narrow slits AB and CD on which a beam of monochromatic
light of wavelength λ is incident normally as shown in Fig. 2.8.
Fig: 2.8 Fraunhoffer diffraction at double slit

Let a be the width of each slit and b be the width of opaque portion that separates the two slits.
The width of the slit a and that of the opaque portion b are comparable. The diffracted light is
focused on the screen by a convex lens L.
P is the point on the screen such that OP is perpendicular to the screen. The amplitude of the
light waves which pass through each slit and which reach the screen will be the same as in case
of single slit. The secondary waves travelling in a direction parallel to OP come to focus at P
and therefore point P is a position of central maximum.
The diffraction pattern in this case is to be considered in two parts.
(a) The interference pattern due to the secondary waves emanating from corresponding
points of the two slits and
(b) The diffraction pattern due to the secondary waves from the two slits individually.
Interference maxima and minima
Consider the waves travelling in a direction inclined at an angle θ with the direction of
incidence as depicted in Fig. 2.9. Draw a normal AN to CN.
In the Δ ANC, ‫ ס‬CAN = θ

Ʌ ൌ ൌ
൅
ฺ ൌ ሺ ൅ ሻ Ʌ
Fig: 2.9
If this path difference is equal to odd multiple of λ/2, then θ gives the direction of minima as a
result of interference of secondary waves from the two slits.
ɉ
‫ ׵‬ሺ ൅ ሻ Ʌ ൌ ሺʹ ൅ ͳሻ
ʹ
ሺʹ൅ͳሻɉ
ฺ Ʌ ൌ (2.17)
ʹሺ൅ሻ
where n = 1, 2, 3 … gives the 1st, 2nd, 3rd order interference minima.

Alternatively, if the secondary waves travel in the direction θ' so that the path difference is
integral multiples of wavelength λ, then θ' gives the direction of the maxima due to interference
of light waves emanating from the two slits.
‫ ׵‬ሺ ൅ ሻ ɅԢ ൌ ɉ
ɉ
ฺ ɅԢ ൌ (2.18)
ሺ൅ሻ
where n = 0, 1, 2, … gives the central, 1st, 2nd, … order interference maxima.

Now from Eqn. (2.17),
͵ɉ
For n = 1, Ʌͳ ൌ and
ʹሺ൅ሻ
ͷɉ
For n = 2, Ʌʹ ൌ
ʹሺ൅ሻ
ɉ
‫ ׵‬Ʌʹ െ Ʌͳ ൌ (2.19)
൅
Eqn. 2.19 implies that the angular separation between any two consecutive minima (or maxima)
ɉ
is equal to i.e. the angular separation is inversely proportional to (a+b), the distance
൅
between the two slits.
Diffraction maxima and minima

Now consider the secondary waves travelling in a direction inclined at an angle Ʌ with the initial
direction of the incident lights.
If the path difference BM Fig. (2.9) between the secondary waves emanating from the
extremities of slit AB is equal to the wavelength λ of light used, then Ʌ will give the direction of
diffraction minimum. Because if the wavefront on AB is assumed to be divided into two halves,
the path difference between the corresponding points of the upper and the lower half is equal to
λ/2. Therefore the effect at point P1 due to the wave front incident on AB is zero.
Similarly for the same direction of the secondary waves, the effect at P 1 due to the wavefront
incident on the slit CD is also zero. Hence, in general, the condition for diffraction minima is
Ʌ ൌ ɉ where = 1, 2, …except zero (2.20)
ɉ
On the other hand, if the path difference Ʌ ൌ ሺʹ ൅ ͳሻ , then the direction Ф gives the
ʹ
direction of diffraction maxima.
Intensity variation
Consider a parallel collimated monochromatic light of wavelength λ be incident on two narrow
slits AB and CD. ‫ ͳߠܧ‬and ‫ ʹߠܧ‬be the resultant amplitudes of the light waves emitting from slits
AB and CD respectively as shown in fig 2.8. The secondary wavelets originating from it can be
represented by a short phasor.
Let us represent them by phasors ሬԦͳ and ሬԦʹ having a phase difference ofԄ᦮. The resultant
amplitude at point Ԣ of these phasors can be obtained by vector addition method.
Fig: 2.9 (a)

From ȟሺሻǡ
ሺሻʹ ൌ ሺሻʹ ൅ ሺ ʹ ሻ (2.21)
And, ൌ ൅
‫ ׵‬ሺሻʹ ൌ ሾሺሻʹ ൅ ሺሻʹ ሿʹ ൅ ሺ ʹ ሻ
ൌ ‫ ʹߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮ and YW = ‫ ʹߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮
‫ ʹ ׵‬ൌ ሺ‫ ͳߠܧ‬൅ ‫ ʹߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮ሻʹ ൅ ሺ‫ ʹߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮ሻʹ

ܴʹ ൌ ‫ ʹ ͳߠܧ‬൅ ʹ‫ ʹߠܧ ͳߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮ ൅ ሺ‫ ʹߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮ሻʹ ൅ ሺ‫ ʹߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮ሻʹ

ܴʹ ൌ ‫ ʹ ͳߠܧ‬൅ ʹ‫ ʹߠܧ ͳߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮ ൅ ‫ ʹ ʹߠܧ‬ሺʹ Ԅ᦮ ൅ ʹ Ԅ᦮ሻʹ
ʹ
ܴʹ ൌ ‫ ͳߠܧ‬൅ ʹ‫ ʹߠܧ ͳߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮ ൅ ‫( ʹ ʹߠܧ‬2.22)
We assume that the two slits are identical. Thus the magnitude of resultant amplitude of two
slits ‫ ͳߠܧ‬and ‫ ʹߠܧ‬is equal.
ȁ‫ ͳߠܧ‬ȁ = ȁ‫ ʹߠܧ‬ȁ = ‫ߠܧ‬
Equation (2.22) can be written as
ʹ
ܴʹ ൌ ‫ ߠܧ‬൅ ʹ‫ ߠܧ ߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮ ൅ ‫ʹ ߠܧ‬
ʹ
ܴʹ ൌ ‫ ߠܧ‬൅ ʹ‫ ʹ ߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮ ൅ ‫ʹ ߠܧ‬
ܴʹ ൌ ʹ‫ ʹ ߠܧ‬ሺͳ ൅ Ԅ᦮ሻ
߶᦮ ሺͳ൅ Ԅ᦮ሻ
We have from trigonometry, ܿ‫ ʹ ݏ݋‬ ൌ
ʹ ʹ
߶᦮
ܴʹ ൌ Ͷ‫ ʹ ߠܧ‬ቀܿ‫ ʹ ݏ݋‬ቁ (2.23)
ʹ
The resultant amplitude of wave of single slit at point P1 on the screen is given by equation
(2.14),
Ƚ
Ʌ ൌ ቂ ቃ
Ƚ
Ƚ
By putting Ʌ ൌ ቂ ቃ in equation (1.2.23) we get,
Ƚ
ʹ Ƚ Ԅ᦮
Ʌ ൌ ʹ ൌ Ͷ ʹ ቈ ʹ ቉ ൬ ʹ ൰
Ƚ ʹ
Ԅ᦮
Let ൌ Ⱦ and ܴ is resultant amplitude at any point on the screen. Thus the resultant intensity Iθ
ʹ
at any point due to double slit is given by,
ʹ Ƚ
Ʌ ൌ Ͷ Ǥ ʹ Ⱦ
Ƚʹ
ʹ Ƚ
Here the term gives the diffraction pattern like that of a single slit and the term ʹ Ⱦ
Ƚʹ
gives the interference pattern due to light waves of same amplitude from the two slits. Also, the
intensity of the central interference maximum is four times the intensity of the central maximum
of the single slit diffraction pattern.
The intensity distribution is shown in the following Fig. (2.10). The dotted boundary curve
represents the diffraction maxima and minima whereas the full line represents equally spaced
interference maxima and minima due to the interference between the light waves diffracted
from both the slits. The equal spaced interference pattern is superposed on the diffraction
pattern.
Fig: 2.10 Intensity distribution curve in double slit

Missing Orders in Double Slit Diffraction pattern
If the slit width a is kept constant and the width of the opaque portion b is varied, certain orders
of interference maxima will be missing in the resultant pattern depending on the relative values
of a and b.
The direction of interference maxima is given by
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻ ߠ ൌ ݊ߣ (2.24)
and the direction of diffraction minima is given by
ܽ ߠ ൌ ݉ߣ (2.25)
where n and m are the integers.
When the widths of a and b are such that both the equations are satisfied simultaneously for the
same value of θ, then the position of interference maxima corresponds to that of the diffraction
minima.
Dividing Eqn. (2.24) by Eqn.( 2.25) we have
ሺܽ൅ܾሻ ߠ ݊ߣ
ൌ (2.26)
ܽ ߠ ݉ߣ
ܽ൅ܾ ݊
‫׵‬ ൌ (2.27)
ܽ ݉
Let us consider some cases
(a) If a = b, then,

ൌʹ

‫ ׵‬n = 2m where m = 1, 2, 3,……….
n = 2, 4, 6,……….
nd th th
Thus 2 , 4 , 6 etc., orders of the interference maxima are missing in the diffraction pattern.
(b) If 2a = b, then,

ൌ͵

‫ ׵‬n = 3m where m = 1, 2, 3,…; n = 3, 6, 9,…
nd th th
Thus 3 , 6 , 9 etc., orders of the interference maxima are missing in the diffraction pattern.
(c) If a + b = a i.e. b = 0, then we will have a single slit and all interference pattern will be
missing. The diffraction pattern obtained will be similar to that of a single slit of width 2a.
2.6 Diffraction Between Single Slit and Double Slit Diffraction Patterns
In case of single slit diffraction the pattern consists of a central bright maximum flanked by
alternate narrower dark and secondary bright bands which shade off rapidly in intensity. If we
see the diffraction pattern produced by the double slit there are equally spaced interference
maxima and minima within the central maximum. The intensity of the central maximum in
diffraction pattern due to diffraction at a double slit is four times that of the central maximum in
the diffraction pattern due to diffraction at a single slit.
2.7 Plane Diffraction Grating (N-Slits)
When the number of slits is increased a striking modification is expected in single slit
diffraction pattern. Such an arrangement of large number of closely spaced parallel slits of the
same width and separated by equal opaque portion is known as a diffraction grating. Joseph
Fraunhofer used the first grating that was consisted of a large number of closely spaced parallel
wires stretched on a frame. Now the gratings are constructed by ruling equidistant parallel lines
with a fine diamond point on suitable surface. Accordingly there are two types of grating.
Transmission Grating
A transmission grating is prepared by ruling equidistant parallel lines on a transparent material
such as glass with a fine diamond point. The lines drawn on a glass surface are opaque to light
and the space between any two lines is transparent to light.
Reflection Grating
If the equidistant parallel lines are drawn on a silver surface the light reflects from the portions
of mirror between any two lines. Such surface acts as reflection grating. The closely spaced
tracks of a compact disc (CD) act as a diffraction grating, producing a separation of the colors of
white light. The nominal track separation on a CD is 1.6 micrometers, corresponding to about
6250 tracks per centimeter. This is in the range of ordinary laboratory diffraction gratings.
An appreciable diffraction of light would be produced if the spacing between the lines is of the
order of the wavelength of light. Therefore good quality gratings in use to study diffraction of
light contain about 15,000 equidistant parallel lines per inch. Because of the difficulties
involved in their construction, gratings with originally ruled surfaces are only few. Gratings
most commonly used for simple experiments are therefore the replicas of the original grating. A
thin layer of colloidal solution is poured on the original grating surface and the solution is
allowed to harden to form a strong film. The film is then removed and the impressions of
grating are preserved by fixing it between two glass plates. With the advent of holography,
nowadays, gratings are also produced holographically.
Fraunhoffer Diffraction at Plane Transmission Grating

Consider a section of a plane transmission grating as shown in Fig. (2.11). Let width of each slit
be a and the width of opaque portion between any two slits be b.
Fig: 2.11 plane transmission grating

The distance (ܽ + ܾ) is known as grating element or grating constant or grating space. If the
number of slits per inch of the grating is ܰ then (ܽ + ܾ) = 1/ܰ inch. So, if ܰ = 15,000 lines per
inch then
ͳ ʹǤͷͶ
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻ ൌ ݄݅݊ܿ ൌ ܿ݉ ൌ ͳǤ͸ ൈ ͳͲെͶ ܿ݉
ͳͷǡͲͲͲ ͳͷǡͲͲͲ
i.e. a = b = 0.8 × 10-4 cm = 8000× 10-8 cm = 8000 Å.
Thus the wavelength of light (6000 Å) is comparable to the size of the obstacle which is
essential for diffraction.
Now let a parallel beam of monochromatic light of wavelength λ be incident on the grating as
shown in Fig. (2.11).
Fig: 2.11 (a)

Most of the incident light proceeds straight and when collected by the lens L produce a bright
central maximum at point P on the screen placed at the focal plane of the collecting lens. Next
consider the waves diffracted in a direction making an angle θ with the incident direction. These
come to focus at point P1 on the screen. The intensity at P1 will depend on the path difference
between the secondary waves originating from the corresponding points A and C of two
adjacent slits. If a perpendicular AX is drawn on CX the path difference between the secondary
waves starting from points A and C is
CX = AC sin θ = (AB + BC) sin θ = (ܽ + ܾ) sin θ
The point P1 will be of maximum intensity if this path difference is equal to integral multiples of
wavelength λ of the incident light. In general the angle θ gives the direction of maximum
intensity if
(a + b) sin θn = nλ
where θn is the direction of the nth principal maximum. Putting ݊ = 1, 2, 3,…. the angles θ1, θ2,
θ3 etc. corresponding to the directions of the principal maxima can be obtained.
When the incident light consists of more than one wavelength the angles of diffraction will be
different for different wavelengths. Let λ and λ + dλ be the two nearby wavelength to these two
wavelengths. Then, for the first order principal maxima
(a + b) sin θ = λ
and (a + b) sin (θ + dθ) = λ + dλ
2.8 Absent Spectra with a Diffraction Grating
In case of a grating the principal maxima are obtained in the directions given by
(a + b) sin θ = nλ (2.28)
Also, in case of a single slit the minima are obtained in the directions given by
a sin θ = mλ (2.29)
If the conditions given by the Eqns. (2.24) and (2.25) are satisfied simultaneously, then a
particular maximum of order n will be missing in the grating spectrum. Dividing Eqn. (2.28) by
(2.29),
ሺܽ൅ܾሻ ߠ ݊ߣ
ൌ (2.30)
ܽ ߠ ݉ߣ
ܽ൅ܾ ݊
‫׵‬ ൌ (2.31)
ܽ ݉
Eqn. 2.31 gives the condition for absent spectra.
ܽ൅ܾ
(a) If ൌ ͳǢ ܾ ൌ Ͳ
ܽ
Thus the first order spectrum will be absent and the resultant diffraction pattern is similar to that
due to a single slit
ܽ൅ܾ
(b) If ൌ ʹǢ ܽ ൌ ܾ
ܽ
Thus if the width of the ruling (opaque portion) is equal to the width of the slit, the second order
spectrum will be absent.
Highest possible Orders with a Grating

The condition for the nth order principal maxima with a grating is
(a + b) sin θ = nλ
The maximum value of θ can be 90°. Therefore the highest possible order will be
ሺܽ൅ܾሻ ͻͲι ሺܽ൅ܾሻ
݊݉ܽ‫ ݔ‬ൌ ൌ (2.32)
ߣ ߣ
If the grating element is less than 2λ i.e. if (a + b) < 2λ then

ʹߣ
݊݉ܽ‫ ݔ‬൏ ൏ʹ
ߣ
i.e. only the first order is possible.
For a grating with 15,000 lines per inch
ͳ ʹǤͷͶ
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻ ൌ ݄݅݊ܿ ൌ ܿ݉ ൌ ͳǤ͸ ൈ ͳͲെͶ
ͳͷǡͲͲͲ ͳͷǡͲͲͲ
If the incident light is of wavelength λ = 5893 A° (sodium light), then,
ͳǤ͸ ൈ ͳͲെͶ
݊݉ܽ‫ ݔ‬ൌ ൌ ʹǤ͹ ൎ ͵
ͲǤͷͺͻ͵ ൈ ͳͲെͶ
Thus, 3rd order is the highest order possible.
2.9 Determination of Wavelength of Light with a Plane Transmission Grating
To determine the wavelength of a spectral line using plane transmission grating the
spectrometer is used. For diffraction grating, the direction of the nth principal maxima is given
by
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻ‫ ݊ߠ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ ݊ߣ
where (a + b) is the grating element, n the order of the spectrum and θn the angle of diffraction
for a particular wavelength.
The number of lines per inch on the grating surface is written on the grating by the
manufacturer, so grating constant (a +b) can be calculated by the formula
ʹǤͷͶ
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻ ൌ ܿ݉
ܰ
It is necessary first to adjust the spectrometer to obtain the grating spectra and to measure the
angle of diffraction for different wavelength.
Adjustment of Spectrometer
The spectrometer is adjusted by Schuster’s method for parallel rays. The light from the slit
source is rendered parallel by collimator and incident normally on the grating surface as shown
in Fig.2.12.
The position of telescope is adjusted in such a way that the image of the slit is obtained at the
position of vertical cross wire. Now the axes of the collimator and of the telescope are in the
same line. The position of the telescope is noted on the circular scale and then it is turned to 90°
and clamped. Then the grating is placed on the turn table (called prism table).
Fig: 2.12
The prism table is rotated such that the image of the slit reflected from the grating lies on the
intersection of the crosswire. In this position the grating is at 45° to the incident light. Then the
prism table is rotated through 45° in such a way that the grating is exactly perpendicular to the
incident light and the prism table is clamped.
Measurement of angle of diffraction (θ)
After completing all the adjustments the telescope is turned to get the 1 st order spectral line
corresponding to an unknown wavelength on the intersection of the crosswire and the vernier
scale readings are noted down. Then the telescope is turned to view the 1st order spectrum of the
same spectral line on the other side and the vernier reading is noted down.
The difference between the readings of vernier for two positions of the telescope is twice the
angle of diffraction in the first order. Thus half of the difference gives angle θ1 may be
substituted in the equation
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻ‫ ݊ߠ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ ݊ߣ
‫ ׵‬For first order diffraction (n = 1)
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻ‫ ͳߠ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ ߣ
and for second order (n = 2)
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻ‫ ʹߠ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ ʹߣ
If the source of light emits radiations of different wavelengths the constituent wavelength is
observed in each order and can be calculated by following the above procedure.
2.10 Resolving Power of a Grating

Optical instruments such as telescope and microscope are widely known. Telescope is used to
see the nearby stars clearly and distinctly.
Spectators sitting in the stadium or standing on the rooftops of the buildings near the stadium
use binoculars so that they can see the cricket match clearly. Watch maker uses an eyeglass to
see the small parts. A palmist makes use of a magnifying glass to see the lines on the palm
clearly and separately.
The optical instruments are expected to give not only the magnified image but also fine details
of the object viewed at else it would be just like pulling out an elastic canvas on which a picture
is painted. In other words such optical instruments should show two very close objects as
separate ones or resolved. The ability of an optical system to produce the images of objects very
close together is termed its resolving power.
In the study of optical spectra, optical instruments such as a prism or a diffraction grating are
employed so that two spectral lines whose wavelengths are very close to each other can be seen
or photographed as separate lines.
Rayleigh’s Criterion of Resolution
According to Rayleigh’s criterion, two point sources are resolvable by an optical instrument if
the central maximum in the diffraction pattern of one falls over the first minimum in the
diffraction pattern of the other and vice versa. This criterion can be conveniently applied to
calculate the resolving power of a telescope, microscope, prism, grating etc.
Rayleigh’s criterion can be illustrated by considering the resolution of two wavelengths λ1 and
λ2 by a diffraction grating as shown in Fig. 2.13.
Fig: 2.13(a) Fig: 2.13 (b) Fig: 2.13 (c)

In the diffraction pattern seen in Fig. 2.13(a) the difference in wavelengths λ1 and λ2 is such that
their principal maxima are separately visible. The two patterns are well resolved because there
is marked decrease in the intensity of light in between the centres of two patterns.
In Fig. 2.13(b) the two patterns are just resolved because the central maximum of one
wavelength coincides with the first minimum of the other. The curve shows a distinct dip in the
middle of two central maxima i.e. there is a noticeable decrease in intensity between the two
central maxima.
The patterns in Fig. 2.13(c) are not resolved because the difference in wavelengths λ1 and λ2 is
too small that the two wavelengths are very close to each other. The resultant intensity curve
does not show any dip. The pretty smooth curve gives feeling that there is only one source
although a bit bigger and stronger. Thus the two spectral lines whose wavelengths are very close
to each other can be resolved only up to a certain limit expressed by Rayleigh criterion.
Expression for Resolving Power of a Grating
The resolving power of a grating is defined as the ratio of the wavelength of any spectral line
to the difference in wavelength between this line and a neighbouring line such that the two lines
appear to be just resolved. Thus,
ߣ
ܴǤ ܲǤ ൌ
݀ߣ
Consider a beam of light consisting of two wavelengths λ and λ + dλ incident normally on a
plane transmission grating as shown in Fig. (2.14).
Fig: 2.14 Resolving power of a grating

th
Let P1 be the n primary maximum of a spectral line of wavelength λ at an angle of diffraction
θn. P2 is the nth primary maximum of a second spectral line having wavelength λ + dλ at an angle
of diffraction θn + dθ. The two wavelengths, according to Rayleigh criterion, will be resolved if
the position of P2 corresponds to the first minimum of P1.
The direction of the nth primary maximum for a wavelength λ is given by

(a + b) sin θn = nλ (2.33)
th
The direction of the n primary maximum for a wavelength (λ + dλ) is given by
(a + b) sin (θn + dθ) = n(λ + dλ) (2.34)
The two lines will appear just resolved if the angle of diffraction (θn + dθ) also corresponds to
the direction of first secondary minimum after the nth primary maximum at P1. This is possible if
the extra path difference introduced is λ/N where N is the total number of lines on the grating
surface.
ߣ
‫ ׵‬ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻ‫݊݅ݏ‬ሺߠ݊ ൅ ݀ߠሻ ൌ ݊ߣ ൅ (2.35)
ܰ
Equating the right hand sides of Eqns. (2.30) and (2.31),

ߣ
݊ሺɉ ൅ ݀ߣሻ ൌ ݊ߣ ൅
ܰ
ߣ
‫ ߣ݀݊ ׵‬ൌ
ܰ
ߣ
ฺ ܴǤ ܲǤ ൌ ൌ ݊ܰ (2.36)
݀ߣ
ߣ
The quantity ൌ ݊ܰ measures the resolving power of a grating. From Eqn. (2.32) it is clear
݀ߣ
that the resolving power of a grating is (a) independent of the grating element, (b) directly
proportional to the order of the spectrum and (c) directly proportional to the total number of
lines on the grating surface. However as number of lines N increases the maximum value of
order n decreases.
2.11 Dispersive Power of Grating
The angular dispersive power of grating is define as the rate of change of angle of diffraction
݀ߠ
with a change in the wavelength. It is expressed by .
݀ߣ
th
The direction of n order principal maxima is
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻ‫ ߠ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ ݊ߣ (2.37)
Differentiating both sides, we get
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻܿ‫ߠݏ݋‬Ǥ ݀ߠ ൌ ݊݀ߣ
݀ߠ ݊
‫ ׵‬ ൌ ሺܽ൅ܾሻܿ‫ߠݏ݋‬ (2.38)
݀ߣ
݀ߠ ݊ܰ
‫ ׵‬Dispersive power, ൌ (2.39)
݀ߣ ܿ‫ߠݏ݋‬
and the angular separation is given by

݊ܰ
݀ߠ ൌ ݀ߣ
ܿ‫ߠݏ݋‬
Thus for a given value of the difference in wavelength dλ the angular separation dθ between
them (i) depends directly on the order n of the spectra, (ii) directly proportional to the number N
of lines per unit length, (iii) inversely proportional to cos θ.
SOLVED PROBLEMS
PROBLEMS ON SINGLE SLIT
1. Find angular width of the central bright maximum in the Fraunhoffer diffraction
pattern of a slit of width 12 u 10-5 cm when the slit is illuminated by monochromatic
light of wavelength 6000 Å.
Solution: Given
Slit width (a) = 12 u 10-5 cm
Wavelength of the light (O) = 6000 Å = 6000 u 10-8 cm
Formula: Condition for nth order minimum for single slit is given by,
a sinTn = nO
O
Ʌ ൌ

O ͳ ൈ ͸ͲͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
Ʌͳ ൌ ൌ ሺ ൌ ͳሻ
ͳʹ ൈ ͳͲെͷ
sin T1 = 0.50
T1 = 300
Angular width of central maximum = 2T1 = 600
2. Calculate angular separation between the first order minima on either side of central
maximum when slit is 6 × 10-4 cm width. Given wavelength of light used (O) = 6000 Å.
Solution: Given
Order of diffraction (n) = 1
th
Formula: Condition for n order minimum for single slit is given by,
a sinTn = nO
Ʌͳ ൌ ൌ
͸ ൈ ͳͲെͶ
T1 = sin-1 (0.1)
T1 = 50 44′
Angular separation = (2T1) = 110 28′
3. Find the half angular width of the central bright maximum in the Fraunhoffer
diffraction pattern of slit of width 12 u 10-5 cm when the slit is illuminated by
monochromatic light of wavelength 6000 Å.
Solution: Given
Formula: Condition for nth order minimum for

single slit is given by,
a sinTn = nO
݊O
Ʌ ൌ

Ʌͳ ൌ ൌ ሺ ൌ ͳሻ
ͳʹ ൈ ͳͲെͷ
sin T1 = 0.50
T1 = 300
4. A screen is placed 2 m away from a narrow slit which is illuminated with light of
wavelength 6000 Å. If the first minimum lies 5 mm on either side of the central
maximum, calculate the slit width.
Solution: Given
Wave length of the light (O) = 6000 Å = 6000 u 10-10 m
Distance between first minima and centre of the central maximum
(x) = 5 mm = 5 u 10-3 m
Focal length of the lens (f) = 2 m
th
Formula: Condition for n order minimum for single slit is given by,
a sinTn = nO
O
Ʌ ൌ ሺ݊ ൌ ͳሻ ሺͳሻ

a sinT1 = 1×O
O
Ʌͳ ൌ ሺʹሻ

‫ݔ‬
Ʌͳ ൌ ሺ͵ሻ

O ‫ݔ‬
From equation (2) and (3) ൌ

O ൈ ͸ͲͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͳͲ ൈ ʹ
ൌ ൌ
‫ݔ‬ ͷ ൈ ͳͲെ͵
Slit width (a) = 2.4 u 10-4 m
5. In Fraunhoffer diffraction pattern due to a single slit, the screen is at a distance of 100
cm from slit and slit is illuminated by monochromatic light of wavelength 5893 Å; the
width of the slit is 0.1mm. Calculate the separation distance between the central
maximum and first order minima.
Solution: Given
Focal length of the lens (f) = 100 cm
Slit width (a) = 0.1mm = 0.01 cm
a sinTn = nO
O
Ʌ ൌ
ሺͳሻ

Separation distance between central maxima and first order minima.
a sinT1 = (1×O)
O
Ʌͳ ൌ ሺʹሻ

‫ݔ‬
Ʌͳ ൌ ሺ͵ሻ

O ‫ݔ‬
From Equations (2) and (3) ൌ

ɉൈ ͷͺͻ͵ ൈ ͳͲെͺ ൈ ͳͲͲ
‫ݔ‬ൌ ൌቆ ቇ
ͲǤͲͳ
x = 0.5893 cm
6. Light of wavelength 6000 Å is incident on a slit of width 0.30 mm. The screen is placed
2 m away from the slit. Find (a) position of the first order dark fringe, (b) width of the
central bright maximum.
Solution: Given
Slit width (a) = 0.30 mm = 0.30 u 10-3 m
First order dark fringe on either side of the central maximum.

?n=r 1
Wavelength of the light (O) = 6000 Å = 6000 u 10-10 m
a sinTn = nO
O
Ʌ ൌ
ሺͳሻ

Calculation of position of the first order dark fringe
For 1st order minimum (1s order dark fringe on either side of the central maximum. ? n = r 1)
a sinT1 = r (1×O)
O
Ʌͳ ൌ r ൬ ൰ሺʹሻ

‫ݔ‬
Ʌͳ ൌ ሺ͵ሻ

Equation equations (2) and (3)
O ‫ݔ‬
r൬ ൰ ൌ

O
‫ ݔ‬ൌ r ൬ ൰ ൈ

ɉ ͳ ൈ ͸ͲͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͳͲ ൈ ʹ
‫ ݔ‬ൌ ൈ ൌ rቆ ቇ
ͲǤ͵Ͳ ൈ ͳͲെ͵
x = r 4 u 10-3 m
The positive and negative sign indicates the dark fringes are produced on either side of the
central maximum.
Calculation of width of the central bright

maximum:
Width of central maxima = 2 x = 2 × 4 u 10 -3

Width of central maxima = 8 u 10-3 = 8 mm
7. Diffraction pattern of single slit of width 0.5 cm is formed by lens of focal length 30 cm.
Calculate the distance between the first dark and the next bright fringe from the axis.
Given: wavelength light (OO) = 6000 Å.
Solution: Given
Slit width (a) = 0.5 cm
Focal length of the lens (f) = 30 cm
Formula: Calculation distance between central maxima and first minima (x1)
Condition for nth order minimum for single slit is given by,
a sinTn = nO
For first order minima, n=1
O
Ʌ ൌ ሺ݊ ൌ ͳሻሺͳሻ

a sinT1 = 1×O
O
Ʌͳ ൌ ሺʹሻ

If the lens L is very close to the slit or if the screen is far away from the slit and
x1- be the distance between central maxima and 1st minima, then,
‫ͳݔ‬
Ʌͳ ൌ ሺ͵ሻ

‫ͳݔ‬ O
From equations (2) and (3) ൌ

O ൈ ܎ ͸ͲͲͲuͳͲെͺ ൈ ͵Ͳ
࢞૚ ൌ ൌ
‫܉‬ ͲǤͷ
-3
x1 = 3.6 ×10 cm
Calculation distance between central maxima and first secondary maxima- (x2)
Condition for nth order secondary maximum for single slit is given by,
ሺʹ ൅ ͳሻO
ɅԢ ൌ
ʹ
For first order secondary maximum, n = 1
͵O
ɅͳԢ ൌ
ʹ
͵O
ɅͳԢ ൌ ሺͶሻ
ʹ
If the lens L is very close to the slit or if the screen is far away from the slit and x2- be the
distance between central maxima and 1st first secondary maxima, then,
‫ʹݔ‬
Ʌͳ ൌ ሺͷሻ

‫ʹݔ‬ ͵O
From equations (4) and (5) ൌ
ʹ
͵O ͵ ൈ ͸ͲͲͲuͳͲെͺ ൈ ͵Ͳ
‫ ʹݔ‬ൌ ൌ
ʹ ʹ ൈ ͲǤͷ
x2 = 5.4 × 10-3 cm
Distance between the first dark and next bright fringe
x2 – x1 = 5.4 × 10-3 - 3.6 ×10-3 = 1.8 × 10-3 cm
PROBLEMS ON DOUBLE SLITS
8. A diffraction phenomenon is observed in a double slit illuminated with light of
wavelength 5000 Å. The slit width is 0.02 mm and spacing between the two slits is 0.10
mm. The distance of the screen from the slit is 100 cm. Calculate the distance between
the central maximum and the first minimum of the fringe.
Solution: Given
Wavelength of the light (O) = 5000 Å = 5000 u 10-10 m
Slit width (a) = 0.02 mm = 0.02 u 10-3 m
Spacing between two slit (b) = 0.10 mm = 0.10 u10-3 m
Focal length of the lens (f) = 100 cm = 1 m
th
Formula: Condition for n order minimum for double slits is given by,
O
(a+b) sinTn = nO ฺ Ʌ ൌ
ሺ൅ሻ
For first order minima, n=1

O
Ʌͳ ൌ ሺͳሻ
ሺ ൅ ሻ
If the lens L is very close to the slit or if the screen is far away from the slit and
‫ݔ‬
Ʌͳ ൌ ሺʹሻ

O ‫ݔ‬
From equation (1) and (2) ൌ
ሺ൅ሻ
O ͷͲͲͲuͳͲെͳͲ ൈ ͳ ͷͲͲͲuͳͲെͳͲ
‫ݔ‬ൌ ൌ
ሺ ൅ ሻ ሺͲǤͲʹuͳͲെ͵ ൅ ͲǤͳͲuͳͲെ͵ ሻ ͲǤͳʹuͳͲെ͵
The distance between the central maximum and the first minimum of the fringe
(x) = 4.16 u 10-3 m
PROBLEMS ON PLANE DIFFRACTION GRATING

9. Calculate the highest order spectrum that can be obtained by a monochromatic light of
wavelength 6000 Å by a grating of 6000 lines per centimeter.
Solution: Given
Wavelength of the light (O) = 6000 Å = 6000 u10-8 cm
Number of lines of grating (N) = 6000 lines /cm
th
Formula: Condition for n order plane diffraction grating maxima is given by,
(a + b) sinTn = nO
T gives highest order (n max) of spectrum
The maximum value of sinT
Above condition can be written as
(a + b) sinTmax = n max O
ሺ ൅ ሻT
ൌ
O
ͳ
ሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ Ʌ ൌ ͳ

ͳ ͳ
ൌ ൌ
O ͸ͲͲͲ ൈ ͸ͲͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
The highest order spectrum (n max) = 2.7 ≈ 2
10. A parallel beam of monochromatic light is incident on a plane transmission grating
having 3000 lines/cm. A third order diffraction is observed at 300. Calculate the
wavelength of monochromatic light.
Solution: Given
Number of lines on grating (N) = 3000 lines/ cm
Angle of diffraction (T) = 300
Formula: Condition for nth order plane diffraction grating maxima is given by,
(a + b) sinTn = nO
ሺ ൅ ሻɅ
Oൌ

ͳ ൈ Ʌ ͳ ൈ ͵ͲͲ ͳ
ൌ ൌ ൬‫ ׵‬൅ ൌ ൰
͵ͲͲͲ ൈ ͵
O = 5.555 u 10-5 cm= 5555u 10-8 cm
The wavelength of monochromatic light (O) = 5555 Å
11. A parallel beam of light of wavelength 5460 Å is incident at an angle of 30 0 on a plane

transmission grating which has 6000 lines per cm. Find the highest order of spectrum
that can be observed.
Solution: Given
Number of lines on grating (N) = 6000 lines/cm
(a + b) sinTn = nO
ሺ ൅ ሻT
ൌ
O
ͳ
ሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ , (sinTmax =1)

ͳ ͳ
ൌ ൌ
O ͸ͲͲͲ ൈ ͷͶ͸Ͳ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
Maximum numbers of observed orders (n max) = 3.052 ≈ 3
12. In plane transmission grating the angle of diffraction for the second order maximum
for the wavelength 5000 Å is 300. Calculate the number of lines in one cm of the
grating surface.
Solution: Given
Wavelength of the light (O) = 5000 Å = 5000 × 10-8 cm
(a + b) sinTn = nλ
O ʹ ൈ ͷͲͲͲuͳͲെͺ
ሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ ൌ
T ͵ͲͲ
(a + b) = 2 × 10-4 cm
But,
ͳ ͳ
ൌ ൌ ൌ ͷͲͲͲ
ሺ ൅ ሻ ʹ ൈ ͳͲെͶ
Number of lines on the grating surface (N) = 5000 lines per cm
13. A light of wavelength 6500 Å falls normally on a grating surface. The first order
spectrum is obtained at 19.50 from normal. Calculate the grating element.
Solution: Given
Wavelength (O) = 6500 Å = 6500 u 10-8 cm
Order of spectra (n) =1
Angle of diffraction (T) = 190 5´
(a + b) ߠ݊ = nO
O
ሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ
T
ͳ ൈ O ͳ ൈ ͸ͷͲͲuͳͲെͺ
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻ ൌ ൌ
‫ ݊݅ݏ‬Tͳ ‫ͻͳ ݊݅ݏ‬ǤͷͲ
Grating element (a + b) = 1.947 u 10-4 cm
14. A diffraction grating used at normal incidence gives a line (O1) = 6000 Å in a certain
order superimposed on another line (O2) = 4500 Å of next higher order. If angle of
diffraction is 300. How many lines are there in one centimeter on the grating surface?
Solution: Given
Wavelength of the light (O1) = 6000 Å = 6000 u10-8 cm
(a + b) sinTn = nλ
n order spectral line due to λ1 order superimposed on (n+1)th order spectral line due to λ2
th
(a + b) sinTn = nO1 (1)

(a + b) sinTn = (n+1) O2 (2)
Equating equation (1) and (2) We get,
nO1 = (n +1) O2
Oʹ ͶͷͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
݊ ൌ ൌ
Oͳ െ Oʹ ሺ͸ͲͲͲ െ ͶͷͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
Order of diffraction (n) = 3, Put n = 3 in equation (1)
ሺ ൅ ሻɅ ൌ Oͳ
݊Oͳ ͵ ൈ ͸ͲͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
ሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ ൌ ൌ ͵Ǥ͸ ൈ ͳͲെͶ
Ʌ ͵ͲͲ
ͳ ͳ
ൌ ൌ
ሺ ൅ ሻ ͵Ǥ͸uͳͲെͶ
Number of lines on the grating surface (N) = 2778 lines per cm.
15. A parallel beam of light is incident normally on a plane grating having 4520 lines per
cm and second order spectral line is observed at angle of 300.Calculate the wavelength
of the spectral line.
Solution: Given
Number of lines on the grating (N) = 4520 lines/cm
(a + b) sinTn = nO
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻT ͳ
Oൌ ሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ

T ͵ͲͲ
Oൌ ൌ
ͶͷʹͲ ൈ ʹ
λ = 5.530 ×10-5 cm = 5530 ×10-8 cm
O) = 5530 Å
The wavelength of the spectral line (O
16. A grating with 15000 rulings per inch is illuminated normally with light of wavelength
of 7000 Å. Determine angle of diffraction for second order.
Solution: Given
Number of lines on the grating (N) =15000 ruling/ Inch
ͳͷͲͲͲ
‫׵‬Number of lines/centimeter (N) =
ʹǤͷͶ

(a + b) sinTn = nO
O ͳ
T ൌ ቂሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ ቃ
ሺ൅ሻ
SinTn = n O N
Calculation of angle of diffraction for second order ( n=2)
ͳͷͲͲͲ
Ʌʹ ൌ ʹ ൈ ͹ͲͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ ൈ ൌ ͲǤͺʹ͸͹
ʹǤͷͶ
T2 = 560 16´
17. Light of wavelength 5000 Å is incident normally on a plane transmission grating. Find
difference in the angles of deviation in the first and third spectra. The plane
diffraction grating consists of 6000 lines per cm.
Solution: Given
Number lines on the grating (N) = 6000 lines/cm
th
(a + b) sinTn = nO
O ͳ
ሺ൅ሻ
T=nON
sinT
Calculation of angle of diffraction for first order spectra
sin T1 = 1 u 5000 u10-8 u 6000
sin T1 = 0.30
T1 = 170 46´
Calculation of angle of diffraction for third order spectra
sin T3 = 3 u 5000 u 10-8 u 6000
sin T3 = 0.9
T3 = 640 16´
Angular separation between first and third order spectra
T3 - T1 = 640 16´- 170 46´
Angular separation = 460 7´
18. A plane transmission grating has 15000 lines/inch. Find the angle of separation for
5048 A0 and 5016 Å lines of helium in second order spectrum.
Solution: Given
Wavelength (O1) = 5048 Å = 5048 u10-8 cm
Wavelength of light (O2) = 5016 Å = 5016 u10-8 cm
Number of lines/inch (N′) = 15000 lines/inch
ͳͷͲͲͲ
‫ ׵‬Number of lines/centimeter (N) =
ʹǤͷͶ
(a + b) sinTn = nO
O ͳ
ሺ൅ሻ
Tn = n O N
sinT
For wavelength (O1) = 5048 u10-8 cm
૚૞૙૙૙
sinT1= n ߣͳ N = 2 u 5048 u 10-8 u
૛Ǥ૞૝
sinT1= 0.5962
T1 = sin-1 (0.5962) = 360 59´
T1 = 360 59´
૚૞૙૙૙
sin T2= n ߣʹ N = 2 u 5016 u 10-8 u
૛Ǥ૞૝
sinT2 = 0.5924
T2 = Sin-1 (0.5924) = 360 33´
T2 = 360 33´
Angular separation = T2 - T1 = 36059´ - 36033′
Angular separation = 26′
19. What is highest order spectrum which may be seen with monochromatic light of
wavelength 6000 Å by means of a diffraction grating 5000 lines per cm?
Solution: Given
Number lines on the grating (N) = 5000 lines per cm
th
(a + b) sinTn = nO
The maximum value of sinT gives highest order (n max) of spectrum
ሺ ൅ ሻT
ൌ
O
ͳ

ͳ ͳ
ൌ ൌ
O ͷͲͲͲ ൈ ͸ͲͲͲuͳͲെͺ
The highest order spectrum (n max) = 3.3 ≈ 3
20. How many orders will be visible if wavelength of incident radiation is 5000 Å and the
number of lines on the grating is 2620 per inch?
Solution: Given
Wavelength (O) = 5000 Å = 5000 u10-8 cm
Number of lines/inch (N′) = 2620
ʹ͸ʹͲ
‫ ׵‬Number of lines/centimeter (N) =
ʹǤͷͶ
th
(a + b) sinTn = nO
ሺ ൅ ሻT
ൌ
O
ͳ

ͳ
ൌ
O
ͳ ʹǤͷͶ
ൌ ൌ
O ʹ͸ʹͲ ൈ ͷͲͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
Number of visible orders ( nmax) = 19.38 ≈ 19
21. Monochromatic light of wavelength 6500 Å falls normally on a grating 2 cm wide. The
first order spectrum is produced at an angle of 180 from the normal. Deduce the total
number of lines on the grating surface.
Solution: Given
Width of grating = 2 cm
(a + b) sinTn = nλ
݊O ͳ ൈ ͸ͷͲͲuͳͲെͺ
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻ ൌ ൌ ൌ ʹǤͳͲ͵ ൈ ͳͲെͶ ܿ݉
‫ ݊݅ݏ‬T݊ ‫ͳ ݊݅ݏ‬ͺͲ
ͳ ͳ
ൌ ൌ
ሺ ൅ ሻ ʹǤͳͲ͵ ൈ ͳͲെͶ
‫ ׵‬Total number of lines on the grating surface = 2 × 4754 = 9508 lines per centimeter
22. Monochromatic light of wavelength 6000 Å falls normally on a grating of 3 cm wide.
The first order spectrum is observed at an angle of 200. What will be the number of
lines on the grating surface?
Solution: Given
(a + b) sinTn = nO
ሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ ൌ
T ʹͲͲ
ሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ 1.754 ×10-4 cm
ͳ
ሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ

ͳ ͳ
ൌ ൌ
ሺ ൅ ሻ ͳǤ͹ͷͶ ൈ ͳͲെͶ
ൌ ͷ͹ͲͲ
The width of the grating is of 3 cm.
‫ ׵‬Total numbers of lines on the grating surface (N) = 3× N = 3× 5700
N = 17100 lines on the grating
PROBLEMS ON DISPERSIVE POWER AND RESOLVING POWER

23. A diffraction grating which has 4000 lines per cm is at normal incidence. Calculate
dispersive power of the grating in third order spectrum of wavelength 5000 Å.
Solution: Given
Wavelength of the light (O) = 5000A0 = 5000 u 10-8 cm
Formula: Dispersive power of the plane diffraction grating is given by,
Ʌ
ൌ
O ሺ ൅ ሻɅ
Calculation of cos θ
Condition for nth order plane diffraction grating maxima is given by,
(a + b) sinT = nO
O
T ൌ
ሺܽ ൅ ܾሻ
ͳ
sin T = nO u N ቀ ൅ ൌ ቁ

sin T = 3 u 5000 u 10-8 u 4000
sin T = 0.6
ʹ Ʌ ൅ ʹ Ʌ ൌ ͳ
ܿ‫ ߠ ݏ݋‬ൌ ξͳ െ ‫ ߠ ʹ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ ඥͳ െ ሺ૙Ǥ ૟ሻʹ
cos θ = 0.8
Calculation dispersive power of plane diffraction grating
Ʌ ͳ
ൌ ൌ ሺ൅ሻ ቀ ൅ ൌ ቁ
O Ʌ
Ʌ ൈ ͵ ൈ ͶͲͲͲ
ൌ ൌ
O Ʌ ͲǤͺ
‫܌‬ી
۲ܑ‫ ܚ܍ܟܗ۾܍ܞܑܛܚ܍ܘܛ‬ൌ ൌ ૚૞ǡ ૙૙૙
‫܌‬O
24. Light is incident normally on a grating 0.5 cm wide with 2500 lines. Find the angle of
diffraction for the principal maximum of the two sodium lines in the first order
spectrum. (O1 = 5890 Å and O2 = 5896 Å). Are these two lines resolved?
Solution: Given
0.5 cm width grating contains 2500 lines
‫ ׵‬1 cm width of grating contains 5000 lines/cm
(a + b) sinTn = nO
O
T ൌ
ሺ ൅ ሻ
ͳ
sinTn = n O N ቂሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ ቃ


sinT1 = n O1 N = 1u5890u10-8u 5000

sinT1 = 0.2945
T1 = sin-1 (0.2945)
T1= 170 7´
sinT2 = n O2 N = 1 u 5896 u 10-8u 5000
sinT2 = 0.2948
T2 = Sin-1 (0.2948)
T2 = 170 8′
Resolving power of a grating
Oͳ ൅ Oʹ ͷͺͻͲ ൅ ͷͺͻ͸
൤O ൌ ൌ ൌ ͷͺͻ͵Ͳ O ൌ Oʹ െ Oͳ ൌ ͷͺͻ͸ െ ͷͺͻͲ ൌ ͸Ͳ ൨
ʹ ʹ
O
ൌ
O
O ͷͺͻ͵uͳͲെͺ
ൌ ൌ
O ൈ ͸uͳͲെͺ ൈ ͳ
The number of lines required for resolution (N) = 982
These two lines O1 = 5893 Å & O2 = 5896Å will be resolved in 1st order because number of
lines on grating per centimeter are larger than the number of lines required for resolution.
25. Calculate the minimum numbers of lines in a grating which will just resolve in the
third order the lines whose wavelength are 5890 Å and 5896 Å.
Solution: Given
Wavelength of the light (O1) = 5890 Å =5890 u 10-8 cm
Wavelength of the light (O2) = 5896 Å = 5896u 10-8 cm
Order of lines (n) = 3
Oͳ ൅Oʹ ͷͺͻ͸൅ͷͺͻͲ
Formula: ሺOሻ ൌ ൌ ൌ ͷͺͻ͵%
ʹ ʹ
dO = O1 -O2 = 5896 – 5890 = 6 Å

O
ൌ ൌ
O
O ͷͺͻ͵ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
ൌ ൌ
O ൈ ͸ ൈ ͳͲെͺ ൈ ͵
26. The light of wavelength 6000 A0 is incident normally on a plane diffraction grating of
1000 lines per cm. Calculate (i) the difference between wavelengths that just appear
separated in the first order and (ii) the resolving power in the third order spectrum.
Solution: Given
Number of lines on grating (N) =1000 lines/cm
Formula: (i) Calculation of difference between two wavelengths.
O
ൌ ൌ
O
O ͸ͲͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
O ൌ ൌ
ͳuͳͲͲͲ
dO = 6u 10-8 cm
O =6Å
dO
(ii) Calculation of resolving power in third order
O
ൌ ൌ
O
O
ൌ ൌ ͵uͳͲͲͲ
O
O
ൌ ͵ͲͲͲ
O
O
ቀ ቁ ൌ ૜૙૙૙
‫܌‬O
27. Find the maximum value of resolving power of a grating 2 cm wide having 6000 lines
per cm, if the wavelength of light used is 5890 Å.
Solution: Given
Number of lines on grating (N) =6000 lines/cm
Formula: Resolving power of a plane diffraction grating is given by,
O
ൌ ൌ
O
O
Resolving power of grating ቀ ቁ directly is proportional to order of spectral (n)
ࢊO
O
൬ ൰ ൌ
O
The highest order of the spectrum (n (max))
Condition for nth order plane diffraction grating maxima is given by,
(a + b) sinTn = nO
ሺ ൅ ሻT
ൌ
O
ͳ
ሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ , sinTmax = 1)

ͳ ͳ
ൌ ൌ
O ͸ͲͲͲ ൈ ͷͺͻͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
The highest order of the spectrum (n max) = 2.82 ≈ 2
The total number of lines on grating surface (N´) = 2 u 6000 = 12000
The maximum value of resolving power of a grating
(R.P)max = n max N = 2×12000
Maximum resolving power of grating = 36000
PREVIOUS UNIVERSITY PROBLEMS
28. A slit of width ‘a’ is illuminated by white light. For what value of ‘a’ will the 1 st
minimum for red light fall at an angle of 300 ? Given wavelength of red light is used
6500 Å.
Solution: Given: Angle of diffraction (T) = 300
Order of minimum (n) = 1
Wavelength of red light = 6500 Å = 6500×10-10 m
a sinTn = nO
O ͳ ൈ ͸ͷͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͳͲ
ൌ ൌ
T ͵Ͳ
Slit width (a) = 1.3 × 10-6 m = 1.3 μm
29. A plane transmission grating having 5000 lines per cm gives an angle of diffraction of
a spectral line 600 in 3rd order. Find the wavelength of the given line.
Solution: Given: Number of lines on the grating (N) = 5000 lines/cm
(a + b) sinTn = nO
ͳ ͳ
Ʌ ൌ O ൬‫ ׵‬൅ ൌ ൰

Ʌ ͸ͲͲ
O ൌ ൌ
ൈ ͷͲͲͲ ൈ ͵
λ = 5.773× 10-5 cm = 5773× 10-8 cm
O) = 5773 Å
Wavelength (O
30. A plane transmission grating having 6000 lines per cm is used to obtain a spectrum of
light from a sodium lamp in the second order. Calculate the angular separation
between the two sodium lines whose wavelength are 5890 Å and 5896 Å.
Solution: Given: Wavelength (O1) = 5890 Å = 5890 u10-8 cm
(a + b) sinTn = nO
O
T ൌ
ሺ ൅ ሻ
ͳ
sinTn = n O N ቂሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ ቃ


SinT1 = n O1 N = 2 u 5890 u 10-8u 6000
Sin T1 = 0.7068
T1 = Sin-1 (0.7068) = 45037´
T1= 44058`
sinT2= n O2 N = 2 u 5896 u 10-8 u 6000
sin T2 = 0.7075
T2 = Sin-1 (0.7075) = 45o03´
T2 = 45o 01`
Angular separation = T2 - T1 = 45o58´ - 45o01´
Angular separation = 57′
31. In Fraunhoffer diffraction due to a single slit of width 0.2 mm, a screen is placed 2 m
away from the lens to obtain the pattern. The first minima lie 5 mm on either side of
the central maximum. Compute the wavelength of light.
Solution: Given: Slit width (a) = 0.2 mm = 0.2 u10-3 m
Distance between 1st minimum & central maxima (x) = 5 mm
x = 5u10-3 m
a sinTn = nO
݊O
‫ ݊ߠ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ ሺͳሻ
ܽ
For 1st order minimum (n = 1)
a sinT1 = 1×O
O
‫ ͳߠ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ ሺʹሻ
ܽ
‫ݔ‬
‫ ͳߠ ݊݅ݏ‬ൌ ሺ͵ሻ
݂
Equation equations (2) and (3)
ߣ ‫ݔ‬
ൌ
ܽ ݂
‫ݔ‬ ͷ ൈ ͳͲെ͵
ɉ ൌ ൈ ൌ ൈ ͲǤʹ ൈ ͳͲെ͵
ʹ
λ = 5×10-7 m = 5000×10-10 m
O) = 5000 Å
The wavelength of light (O
32. 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 Å to 7500 Å?.
Solution: Given: Number of lines on the grating (N) = 4000 lines/cm
(a + b) sinTn = nO
The maximum value of sinT gives highest order (n max) of spectrum
ሺ൅ሻ T ͳ
ൌ ሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ , (sinTmax =1)
O
ͳ
ൌ
O
O1) = 5000 u10-8 cm
For wavelength (O
ͳ ͳ
ൌ ൌ
ɉͳ ͶͲͲͲ ൈ ͷͲͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
Maximum numbers of observed orders (n max) = 5

ͳ ͳ
ൌ ൌ
ɉʹ ͶͲͲͲ ൈ ͹ͷͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
Maximum numbers of orders (n max ) = 3.3 ≈ 3
33. A diffraction grating used at normal incidence gives a line (5400 Å) in a certain order
superimposed on the violet line (4050 Å) of the next order. If the angle of the
diffraction is 300, how many lines per cm are there in the grating?
Solution: Given
Wavelength of violet (O2) = 4050 Å = 4050u10-8 cm
Angle of diffraction (T) =300
(a + b) sinTn = nλ
The nth order spectral line due to λ1 order superimposed on (n+1)th order spectral line due to
λ2
(a + b) sinTn = nO1 (1)
(a + b) sinTn = (n+1) O2 (2)
Equating equation (1) and (2) We get,
nO1 = (n +1) O2
Oʹ ͶͲͷͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
ൌ ൌ
Oͳ െ Oʹ ሺͷͶͲͲ െ ͶͲͷͲሻ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
Order of diffraction (n ) = 3, Put n = 3 in equation (1)
ሺ ൅ ሻɅ ൌ Oͳ
Oͳ ͵ ൈ ͷͶͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ

ሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ ൌ
Ʌ ͵ͲͲ
(a + b) = 3.24 u10-4 cm
૚
ࡺ ൌ ൌ ૜૙ૡ૟‫ܚ܍ܜ܍ܕܑܜܖ܍܋ܚ܍ܘܛ܍ܖܑܔ‬Ǥ
ࢇ൅࢈
34. Light incident on grating of 0.5 cm wide with 3000 lines, find the angular separation in
2nd order of two sodium lines 5893 Å and 5896 Å. Check if those two lines are resolved
in second order or not.
Solution: Given
0.5 cm width of grating contains 3000 lines
‫ ׵‬1 cm width of grating contains 6000 lines/cm
th
(a + b) sinTn = nO
O
T ൌ
ሺ ൅ ሻ
ͳ
T=nON
sinT ቂሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ ቃ

Number of lines on the grating surface (N) = 6000 lines/cm
Calculation of angular separation between two spectral lines
sinT1 = n O1 N = 2 u 5893 u 10-8 u 6000
sinT1 = 0.7071
T1 = sin-1 (0.7071)
T1= 44059`
sinT2= n O2 N = 2 u 5896 u 10-8 u 6000
sinT2 = 0.7075
T2 = sin-1 (0.7075)
T2 = 450 01’
Angular separation = T2 - T1 = 44059` - 45001´ = 02`
Angular separation between two spectral lines = 02′
Calculation the number of lines on grating required for resolution (n=2)
Oͳ ൅ Oʹ ͷͺͻ͵ ൅ ͷͺͻ͸
ሺOሻ ൌ ൌ ൌ ͷͺͻͶǤͷ%ܽ݊݀
቎ ʹ ʹ ቏
݀O ൌ Oʹ െ Oͳ ൌ ͷͺͻ͸ െ ͷͺͻ͵ ൌ ͵‫ܣ‬Ͳ
O
Ǥ Ǥ ൌ ൌ
O
O ͳ ͷͺͻͶǤͷ ൈ ͳͲെͺ ͳ
‫ ׵‬ൌ ൈ ൌ ൈ ൌ ͻͺʹǤͶͳ
O ͵ ൈ ͳͲെͺ ʹ
N= 982 lines per centimeters
These two lines O1 = 5893 Å & O2 = 5896 Å will be resolved in 2nd order because number of
lines on grating per centimeter are larger than the number of lines required for resolution.
35. Calculate the missing order for a double slit Fraunhoffer diffraction pattern if the slit
widths are 0.16 mm and they are 0.8 mm apart.
Solution: Given
Slit width (a) = 0.16 mm = 0.016 cm
Separation distance between slits (b) =0.8mm =0.08cm
(a + b) sinTn = nO (1)
Condition for pth order minimum for single slit is given by,
a sinTn = pO (2)
From equation (1) and (2)
ሺ ൅ ሻ
ൌ

ͲǤͲͳ͸ ൅ ͲǤͲͺ
ൌ
ͲǤͲͳ͸

ൌ ͸

n = 6p p = 1,2, 3,….. etc.
? n = 6, 12, 18, 24, …..
Thus 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th order maxima will be missing in the diffraction pattern.
36. In an experiment with plane diffraction grating, third order spectral line of
wavelength O1 coincides with the fourth order spectral line of wavelength (O2) 4992 Å.
Calculate the value of wavelength O1.
Solution:
(a + b) sinTn = nO
The third order spectral line due to wavelength of O1 coincides with fourth order spectral line
due to wavelength of O2
(a + b) sinTn = 3O1 (1)
(a + b) sinTn = 4O2 (2)
From equations (1) and (2)

3O1 = 4O2
Ͷ Ͷ
ɉͳ ൌ ൈ ɉʹ ൌ ൈ Ͷͻͻʹ ൈ ͳͲെͺ
͵ ͵
O1 = 6.656 u 10-5 cm = 6656 u 10-8
Wavelength of 3rd order spectral line (O1) = 6656 Å
37. A monochromatic light from He-Ne laser O = 6328 Å is incident normally on a

diffraction grating having 6000 lines/cm. Find angles at which first and second order
maxima would be observed.
Solution: Given
Wavelength (O) = 6328 Å = 6328 u10-8 cm
Number of lines/cm (N) = 6000
th
(a + b) sinTn = nO
O
T ൌ
ሺ ൅ ሻ
ͳ
sinT = n O N ቂሺ ൅ ሻ ൌ ቃ

Calculation of angle of diffraction for first order maxima ( n=1)

sin T1 = 1 u 6328 u10-8u 6000
sin T1 = 0.3796
T1 = 22o18′
Calculation of angle of diffraction for second order maxima ( n=2)
sin T2 = 2 u 6343 u 10-8 u 6000
sin T2 = 0.7611
T2 = 49o33′
38. A grating has 620 rulings/mm and is 5.05 mm wide. What is the smallest wavelength
interval that can be resolved in the third order at O= 481 nm?
Solution: Given
N = 5.05 u 620 = 3131 lines /mm
Wavelength (O) = 481nm = 481 u10-9 m
Formula: Resolving power of a grating is given by,
O
ൌ ൌ
O
O Ͷͺͳ ൈ ͳͲെͻ
‫ ׵‬O ൌ ൌ
u ͵ ൈ ͵ͳ͵ͳ
dO = 0.051 × 10-9 = 0.051 nm.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Distinguish between interference and diffraction
2. Compare interference and diffractions phenomenon in optics. What is a fundamental
criterion between wavelength of light used and obstacle size in order to get the diffraction.
3. What are the types of diffraction? Differentiate between them.
4. Compare Fresnel and Fraunhoffer diffraction.
5. What is a diffraction grating? What is grating element?
6. What is diffraction grating? How is it obtained?
7. What are the advantages of increasing the number of rulings on grating?
8. How plane diffraction grating is used to determine wavelength of light?
9. Explain how the number of lines ruled per centimeter on plane transmission grating decides
the maximum number of orders of diffraction.
10. Discuss Rayleigh’s criterion of resolution.
11. Define resolving power of a plane diffraction grating and prove that it is independent of the
grating element.
12. State Rayleigh’s criterion for the resolution of spectral lines. Distinguish between resolving
power and dispersive power of the diffraction grating.
13. What is dispersive power of a grating? Obtain an expression for dispersive power.
DESCRIPTIVE ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Discuss the phenomenon of Fraunhoffer diffraction at single slit and obtain the condition
for 1st minimum.
2. Discuss the phenomenon of Fraunhoffer diffraction at a single slit and obtain condition for
minima and maxima.
3. Discuss Fraunhoffer diffraction at a single slit. Derive an expression for intensity
distribution.
4. Discuss the phenomenon of Fraunhoffer diffraction of double slit.
5. Explain theory of plane transmission grating and derive condition for minima and maxima.
6. What do you mean by diffraction grating and grating element? Explain the experiment
method of determination of wavelength of spectral line using diffraction grating.
7. What is meant by diffraction grating? How it is used to find the wavelength of light?
8. Define resolving power of an optical instrument? Derive an expression for resolving power
of a plane diffraction grating
9. What is dispersive power of a grating? Obtain an expression for dispersive power of a
grating.

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58 | APPLIED PHYSICS - II

Fig: 2.1 Fresnel diffraction

Fig: 2.2 Fraunhoffer diffraction

Fig: 2.3 Fraunhoffer diffraction at single slit

Equating Eqns. (2.3) and (2.4) we get,

Fig: 2.5 (a)

Intensity of Diffraction Pattern

Fig 2.6 (a) Fig 2.6 (b)

Fig: 2.7(a) Intensity distribution in single slit

For first order maxima n = 1 which gives,

For third order maxima n = 3 which gives,

Fig: 2.8 Fraunhoffer diffraction at double slit

where n = 1, 2, 3 … gives the 1st, 2nd, 3rd order interference minima.

where n = 0, 1, 2, … gives the central, 1st, 2nd, … order interference maxima.

Diffraction maxima and minima

Fig: 2.9 (a)

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ܴʹ ൌ ‫ ʹ ͳߠܧ‬൅ ʹ‫ ʹߠܧ ͳߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮ ൅ ሺ‫ ʹߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮ሻʹ ൅ ሺ‫ ʹߠܧ‬Ԅ᦮ሻʹ

Fig: 2.10 Intensity distribution curve in double slit

Fraunhoffer Diffraction at Plane Transmission Grating

Fig: 2.11 plane transmission grating

Fig: 2.11 (a)

Highest possible Orders with a Grating

If the grating element is less than 2λ i.e. if (a + b) < 2λ then

2.10 Resolving Power of a Grating

Fig: 2.13(a) Fig: 2.13 (b) Fig: 2.13 (c)

Fig: 2.14 Resolving power of a grating

The direction of the nth primary maximum for a wavelength λ is given by

Equating the right hand sides of Eqns. (2.30) and (2.31),

and the angular separation is given by

Formula: Condition for nth order minimum for

First order dark fringe on either side of the central maximum.

Calculation of width of the central bright

Width of central maxima = 2 x = 2 × 4 u 10 -3

For first order minima, n=1

PROBLEMS ON PLANE DIFFRACTION GRATING

11. A parallel beam of light of wavelength 5460 Å is incident at an angle of 30 0 on a plane

(a + b) sinTn = nO1 (1)

Wavelength of the light (O) = 7000 Å = 7000 u 10-8 cm

PROBLEMS ON DISPERSIVE POWER AND RESOLVING POWER

For wavelength (O1) = 5890 u10-8 cm

sinT1 = n O1 N = 1u5890u10-8u 5000

dO = O1 -O2 = 5896 – 5890 = 6 Å

For wavelength (O1) = 5890 u10-8 cm

For wavelength (O2) = 7500 u10-8 cm

Oͳ ͵ ൈ ͷͶͲͲ ൈ ͳͲെͺ

n = 6p p = 1,2, 3,….. etc.

? n = 6, 12, 18, 24, …..

From equations (1) and (2)

37. A monochromatic light from He-Ne laser O = 6328 Å is incident normally on a

Calculation of angle of diffraction for first order maxima ( n=1)

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

DESCRIPTIVE ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

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