(a) The irradiance of a single slit of width is , where . By differentiating with…
PHYSICS · Subjective · Fermi University Physics · Optics & Photonics · Interference and diffraction · Interference and diffraction
Optics and Photonics, Ch Fraunhofer diffraction from apertures and gratings
Problem
(a) The irradiance of a single slit of width b is I(β)=I0(βsinβ)2, where β=λπbsinθ. By differentiating I with respect to β and setting the derivative to zero, show that the secondary maxima (excluding the central maximum at β=0) occur where tanβ=β. Taking β1≈4.493 rad as the first positive root of this equation, find the fraction of the central peak's irradiance carried by the first secondary maximum, and compare it with the cruder estimate obtained by assuming β≈3π/2. (b) For an N-slit diffraction grating of slit spacing d at wavelength λ, the irradiance is I(δ)=I0(sin(δ/2)sin(Nδ/2))2 with δ=kdsinθ, k=2π/λ. Starting from the principal maximum at δ=2πm and the zero of the numerator adjacent to it, derive the angular half-width Δθ (from the maximum to that zero) of the order-m line, and show that Δθ=λ/(Ndcosθ). (c) A grating with 3000 lines in total, ruled at spacing d=2.0μm, is illuminated at normal incidence with λ=500nm and viewed in first order (m=1). Use the result of part (b) to find Δθ in radians.