Absorbing Material Over a Slit in Deriving Double Slit Fraunhofer Interfernce Pattern

In summary, The Fraunhofer interference pattern for a double slit experiment with one slit covered with an absorbing material and the other unaffected can be shown to be given by the equation:I(\theta) = [\frac{I(0)}{K}][(\frac{Sin(\beta}{\beta})]2[ 1 + c2 + 2cCos(2\alpha)] Where K is a constant and c is the factor by which the electric field amplitude is multiplied. To derive this equation, we first write the electric field amplitude as a sum of two integrals, one for each slit. After integrating and simplifying, we get an expression involving the sinc function and the constant c. However, the
  • #1
Ajihood
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In class we have been deriving the Fraunhofer interference pattern for a double slit experiment. I now have a question of having to derive it if one of the slits is covered with an absorbing material. I have got the equation out but I am missing a constant K...

Homework Statement



We have two identical slits of width b whose centres are separated by a distance a. Now suppose that one slit is covered with an absorbing material, so that it transmits less light than the other slit.Assume that the absorption only affects theamplitude of the light transmitted by the affected slit, multiplying the electric field amplitude by a factor c, but does not affect the phase. It can be shown that the Fraunhofer intensity pattern is given by:

I([tex]\theta[/tex]) = [[tex]\frac{I(0)}{K}[/tex]][([tex]\frac{Sin(\beta}{\beta}[/tex])]2[ 1 + c2 + 2cCos(2[tex]\alpha[/tex])] That alpha is not ment to be superscript but I can't get it out.

(a) What is the value of K?
(d) Derive the above equation. Hint: Assume that the unaffected slit is centred at the origin, and that the other slit is centred at x = a. Stay in complex notation as long as possible.

Homework Equations



Where K is a constant
[tex]\beta[/tex] = ub/2 = (1/2)kbsin([tex]\theta[/tex])

[tex]\alpha[/tex] = ua/2 = (1/2)kasin([tex]\theta[/tex])

The Attempt at a Solution



(a) I think this is relatively simple. I let [tex]\theta[/tex] = 0 into the equation above. Then used Le Hopitals rule/ looked at the sinc function and found K = (1 + c)2

(b) Now the problem here is that I can derive the above equation with no problems but I am missing the constant K! Do I introduce it as a normalising factor? I don't know where it comes in :(

Here is the summary of my derivation

E(u) = A[tex]\int[/tex] eiux dx + Ac[tex]\int[/tex] eiux dx

Where the first integrand has goes from -b/2 to b/2 and the second intergrand goes from a-(b/2) to a+(b/2)

Integrating and factorising I get

(A/iu)(eiu(b/2) - e-iu(b/2))(1+ceiua)

Now using Euler's Formula and introducing the idenity [tex]\beta[/tex]

Ab([tex]\frac{Sin\beta}{\beta}[/tex](1 + Ceiua)

Now squaring to get intenisty/irradiance, making sure to muliply by the complex conjugate and using Eulers formula to introduce Cosine and Alpha

I = A2b2([tex]\frac{Sin\beta}{\beta}[/tex])2(1 + c2 + 2cCos(2[tex]\alpha[/tex]) Where alpha is not in superscipt.

So assuming I(0) = A2b2 I have the above equation without K!

So I don't know how I am going to get that (1 + c)2 factor in there??!

Maybe I(0) = (1 + c)2A2b2 ?? But then the absorbing material won't affect the amplitude would it?

Thanks for any help! :)
 
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  • #2


I guess no one can help :( I am going to run with I(0) = A2b2(1+c)2 I find this when I put [tex]\theta[/tex]=0. Thus I have to introduce K as a denomiator to cancel the (1+c)2.

The only problem I have with that is that I swear it looks like it will cancel c's effect on the amplitude...
 

FAQ: Absorbing Material Over a Slit in Deriving Double Slit Fraunhofer Interfernce Pattern

1. What is the purpose of using an absorbing material over a slit in deriving a double slit Fraunhofer interference pattern?

The purpose of using an absorbing material over a slit is to eliminate any secondary sources of light, such as diffraction, that may interfere with the double slit experiment and affect the accuracy of the interference pattern.

2. How does the absorbing material affect the interference pattern in a double slit experiment?

The absorbing material blocks any light that may diffract through the slit, resulting in a clearer and more accurate interference pattern. It also ensures that only light passing through the two slits contribute to the pattern.

3. What is the ideal material to use as an absorber over a slit in a double slit experiment?

The ideal material to use as an absorber would be one that is opaque and can efficiently block out all sources of light. Some commonly used materials include black paper, aluminum foil, and black tape.

4. Can the use of an absorbing material completely eliminate all sources of diffraction in a double slit experiment?

No, the use of an absorbing material can significantly reduce the effects of diffraction, but it cannot completely eliminate all sources of diffraction. Some diffraction may still occur due to the edges of the slits and the material itself.

5. Is it necessary to use an absorbing material in all double slit experiments?

No, it is not necessary to use an absorbing material in all double slit experiments. If the sources of diffraction are negligible or do not significantly affect the interference pattern, an absorber may not be needed. However, it is generally recommended to use an absorber for more accurate results.

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