Diffraction grating, angular with of the intensity peaks to the first maximum

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the angular width of the intensity peaks to the first minimum in the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of a diffraction grating with 500 lines/mm and a width of 1 mm, when illuminated with light of λ = 600 nm. The relevant equations for this problem are nλ = dsinθ and the single slit function ψ(θ)=Aa sinc (kθa/2). The person is unsure of how to approach the problem, but suggests convolving an infinite array of slits with the width of the grating and looking for zeros of intensity to determine θ. Alternatively, they suggest solving the equation nλ = dsinθ.
  • #1
Leb
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Homework Statement


A diffraction grating is ruled with 500 lines/mm and
is 1 mm in width. Calculate the angular width of
the intensity peaks to the first minimum in the
Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of this grating, when
illuminated with light of λ = 600 nm.


Homework Equations



n- order, d separation of slits
nλ = dsinθ

Single slit function ψ(θ)=Aa sinc (kθa/2) (not sure if relevant)
A-amplitude,
a -width of the slit
k = 2π/λ
b = 1mm the width of the

The Attempt at a Solution


TBH, I am not really sure what do they mean by angular width ( I assume θ). But I was not sure how to attempt this problem. I was thinking of convolving f(x) = ...+ δ(x+ 2d)+δ(x+d)+δ(x)+δ(x-d)+δ(x-2d)+... [the infinite array of slits of negligible width] with g(x) = (from -b/2 to b/2)∫dx [the width of the grating] and then looking for zeros of intensity, from which I can tell the θ. Does this sound correct ?
 
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  • #2
If yes, how can I do this? Maybe it is easier to just solve the equation nλ = dsinθ ? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 

FAQ: Diffraction grating, angular with of the intensity peaks to the first maximum

1. What is a diffraction grating?

A diffraction grating is an optical device that is used to separate light into its component wavelengths. It consists of a large number of parallel, closely spaced grooves or lines that diffract light as it passes through, creating a spectrum.

2. How does a diffraction grating work?

When light passes through a diffraction grating, it is diffracted into many different beams, each with its own specific wavelength. The spacing between the grooves determines the angle at which each wavelength is diffracted, resulting in a spectrum of colors.

3. What is the angular width of the intensity peaks to the first maximum?

The angular width of the intensity peaks to the first maximum is a measure of the diffraction grating's ability to separate light into its component wavelengths. It is determined by the number of grooves per unit length on the grating and the wavelength of the incident light.

4. How is the angular width of the intensity peaks to the first maximum calculated?

The angular width of the intensity peaks to the first maximum can be calculated using the formula θ = sin^-1 (mλ/d), where θ is the angle of diffraction, m is the order of the maximum, λ is the wavelength of light, and d is the spacing between the grooves on the diffraction grating.

5. What are the practical applications of diffraction gratings?

Diffraction gratings have a wide range of applications in various fields, including spectroscopy, astronomy, telecommunications, and laser technology. They are used to analyze the composition of materials, study the spectra of stars, and even create holographic images.

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