Why use a single slit before double-slit diffraction?

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In summary, the reason for using a single slit initially is to produce two coherent non-identical sources. Using a double-slit setup from the start would result in a phase shift between the two slits and require keeping track of the phase shift. Adding an extra slit in the beginning resolves this issue. Some prefer to use the simpler approach of imagining parallel plane waves striking the wall.
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binbagsss
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Erm, why do you use a single slit initially? - to produce 2 coherent non-identical sources, but I don't understand why you can't just diffract the beam through the double-slits initially, I thought this would produce 2 coherent sources.

Thanks in advance... =]
 
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Okay imagine you only have two slits and to the left of them is your source, but your source is a point source that is at the height of the first slit. Now, when the waves hit the bottom slit, it'll probably have a phase shift with the top slit, since they haven't traveled the same distance. They will retain this phase shift. You'll still get an interference pattern, but you'd have to keep record of the phase shift and we don't want that. The extra slit in the beginning, that is placed symmetrically, resolves this. Personally I just prefer taking two slits and saying "the incident waves are parallel plane waves striking parallel with the wall" :) (of monochromatic light)
 

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