Diffraction grating interference

[Bengo]

Hello,

I'm having a hard time understanding why diffraction grating spots are narrower than those produced by a double slit set-up. I would really appreciate a conceptual understanding but math works too.

Thank you

 

[Simon Bridge]

There is more opportunity for interference which will reinforce the peaks at the expense of the edges of the spots.
To get this properly you need to become more familiar with interference effects.

 

[Bengo]

I thought there is less opportunity for interference since there are more slits. I've read more about interference but it's still not clicking with me

 

[UltrafastPED]

Resolving power: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/gratres.html

 

[sardar]

for your question. Diffraction grating interference is a phenomenon that occurs when light passes through a narrow slit or grating and is diffracted into multiple beams. The resulting pattern of light and dark spots is known as an interference pattern.

The reason why diffraction grating spots are narrower than those produced by a double slit set-up is due to the spacing between the slits or grating lines. In a double slit set-up, the spacing between the slits is relatively large compared to the wavelength of light being diffracted. This results in a wider interference pattern.

On the other hand, in a diffraction grating set-up, the spacing between the grating lines is much smaller, often on the order of micrometers or nanometers. This smaller spacing allows for more precise diffraction of light, resulting in a narrower interference pattern.

Conceptually, we can think of the diffraction grating as a finely tuned instrument that can produce a more precise interference pattern due to the smaller spacing between the grating lines. In comparison, the double slit set-up is like a larger, less precise instrument, resulting in a wider interference pattern.

From a mathematical standpoint, the narrower diffraction grating spots can be explained by the equation for diffraction grating interference, which takes into account the spacing between the grating lines, the wavelength of light, and the angle of diffraction.

I hope this explanation helps you understand why diffraction grating spots are narrower than those produced by a double slit set-up. Feel free to ask any further questions or clarification. Thank you.