How Does Light Diffract Around a Tiny Spherical Bead?

In summary, a tiny spherical bead of steel is suspended by a transparent thread to create an interference pattern. The pattern is drawn to scale and includes only m=0,1,2,3 maxima. There are no negative order maxima. The bead has a diameter of 0.13 mm. The interference pattern does not look like a double slit interference. The wavelength of the incident light is unknown. A 2-d version of the pattern is first drawn, and then extended to 3-d. Each point around the bead will diffract light and the phase of the diffracted beams will relate to each other as they meet on the central line starting from the light source and running through the ball.
  • #1
jimmy_neutron
10
0
A tiny spherical bead of steel bead is suspended by a special transparent thread that does not diffract light so that it has no effect on the interference pattern of the bead. Draw to scale the interference pattern created by the bead. The bead has a diameter of 0.13 mm. Include only
the m=0,1,2,3 maxima (Hint: notice there are no negative order maxima)

Would the interference pattern look like a double slit interference?
please help
 
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  • #2
What is the wavelength of the incident light? Draw the 2-d version of this first (a 0.13mm wide block), and then extend it to 3-d...
 
  • #3
Each point around the perimeter of the ball will diffract light around it. How will the phase of such diffracted beams relate to each other as they meet on the central line starting from the light source and running through the ball?
 

FAQ: How Does Light Diffract Around a Tiny Spherical Bead?

What is an interference pattern?

An interference pattern is a phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves overlap in space. This results in areas of constructive and destructive interference, which create a pattern of bright and dark spots.

How is an interference pattern created?

An interference pattern is created when two or more waves with the same frequency and wavelength overlap in space. This can occur with any type of wave, including light, sound, and water waves.

What factors affect the interference pattern?

The interference pattern is affected by the wavelength, frequency, and amplitude of the waves, as well as the distance between the sources of the waves and the medium through which they travel.

What are some real-life applications of interference patterns?

Interference patterns have many practical applications, including in technologies such as radio antennas, musical instruments, and medical imaging devices. They are also important in understanding the behavior of light and other waves in nature.

How can I use interference patterns to measure small distances?

Interference patterns can be used to measure small distances through a technique called interferometry. This involves measuring the changes in the interference pattern as the distance between the sources of the waves is altered, allowing for precise measurements to be made.

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