Study of Interference Pattern Using Young’s Double Slit
Experiment And
Derivation of the Expression for Fringe Width
Abstract:
This paper explores the intricacies of Young's Double Slit Experiment, a seminal
demonstration of the wave nature of light. The experiment, first conducted by Thomas
Young in 1801, serves as a fundamental pillar of wave optics. Using monochromatic light,
the experiment produces an interference pattern that highlights the principle of
superposition. This paper details the experimental setup, provides a thorough
mathematical derivation of fringe width, and analyses the experimental data against the
theoretical predictions. The findings confirm the wave nature of light and the accuracy of
the derived expression for fringe width, validating one of the most crucial experiments in
the history of physics.
Introduction:
I. Isaac Newton’s Particle Theory of Light:
Isaac Newton's particle (corpuscular) theory of light, proposed in the 17th century,
described light as a stream of tiny particles (corpuscles) emitted by luminous objects.
This theory successfully explained phenomena like reflection, where light was thought to
bounce off surfaces in straight lines, and refraction, where it sped up when entering a
denser medium, causing the light to bend. Newton also used this theory to explain color
by proposing that different-sized particles corresponded to different colors of light, with
larger particles producing red light and smaller particles producing blue light. Newton's
particle theory of light faced limitations in explaining certain optical phenomena. It could
not account for diffraction (the bending of light around obstacles) and interference.
These effects, later demonstrated by experiments like Young’s Double Slit Experiment,
pointed to the wave nature of light, which Newton’s theory could not fully explain.
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II. The Last Man Who Knew Everything, Thomas Young:
Thomas Young was an English physician and physicist who established the principle of
interference of light and thus resurrected the century-old wave theory of light. He was
also an Egyptologist who helped decipher the Rosetta Stone.
In 1799 Young set up a medical practice in London. His primary interest was in sense
perception, and, while still a medical student, he had discovered the way in which the
lens of the eye changes shape to focus on objects at differing distances. He was the first
to describe astigmatism, in 1801, the same year he turned to the study of light.
Young also studied the problem of colour perception and proposed that there is no need
for a separate mechanism in the eye for every colour, it being sufficient to have
three—one each for blue, green, and red. Young also did work on measuring the size of
molecules, surface tension in liquids, and on elasticity. He was the first to give the word
energy its scientific significance, and Young’s modulus, a constant in the mathematical
equation describing elasticity, was named in his honour.
His work influenced that of William Herschel, Hermann von Helmholtz, James Clerk
Maxwell, and Albert Einstein.
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III. Historical Background:
The question of whether light behaves as a wave or particle has been debated for
centuries. Isaac Newton, in the 17th century, proposed the corpuscular theory of light,
suggesting that light consisted of particles. On the other hand, Christiaan Huygens
proposed the wave theory of light. The controversy persisted until the early 19th century
when Thomas Young conducted the now-famous Double Slit Experiment in 1801. His
findings provided strong evidence in favour of the wave theory of light, showing that
light could exhibit interference patterns – a characteristic behaviour of waves. This
experiment fundamentally challenged Newton's corpuscular theory and laid the
groundwork for the wave theory to become the dominant explanation of light behaviour.
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IV. Significance:
The double-slit experiment is one of the most famous and significant experiments in
quantum mechanics. It demonstrates fundamental principles of wave-particle duality
and the role of observation in quantum phenomena. Here are the key points regarding its
significance:
[Link]-Particle Duality: The experiment shows that particles such as electrons and
photons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behaviour. When not observed, they
create an interference pattern typical of waves, suggesting that they can exist in multiple
states simultaneously.
[Link] Superposition: The interference pattern indicates that particles can be in a
superposition of states until a measurement is made. This challenges classical intuitions
about how particles should behave and introduces the concept that the act of
measurement affects the system.
[Link] of Observation: When the experiment is conducted with a measurement to
determine which slit a particle goes through, the interference pattern disappears, and
particles behave like classical particles. This illustrates the observer effect, where the act
of observation alters the state of a quantum system.
[Link] for Quantum Mechanics: The double-slit experiment is foundational
for understanding quantum mechanics and has led to numerous philosophical
discussions about the nature of reality, causality, and the interpretation of quantum
mechanics (e.g., Copenhagen interpretation, many-worlds interpretation).
[Link] Implications: Insights gained from quantum mechanics, including
concepts illustrated by the double-slit experiment, have led to advancements in various
technologies, such as quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and other
applications in modern physics and engineering.
In summary, the double-slit experiment is significant not just for what it demonstrates
about the behaviour of particles but also for its broader implications for our
understanding of the nature of reality and the fundamental principles of physics.
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V. Objective of the Study:
The primary objectives of this study are threefold:
1. To experimentally study the interference pattern produced when monochromatic light
passes through two slits
λ𝐷
2. To derive the mathematical expression for fringe width β = 𝑑
where λ is the
wavelength of light, D is the distance between the slits and the screen, and d is the
separation between the slits.
3. To verify this theoretical expression for fringe width using experimental observations,
thereby confirming the wave nature of light.
Theory:
1. Wave Nature of Light:
The debate over the nature of light persisted for centuries until Young’s Double Slit
Experiment provided compelling evidence for wave theory. The wave nature of light
means that light propagates in the form of oscillating electric and magnetic fields,
which can interfere with each other. In wave mechanics, when two waves meet, they
can either reinforce each other (constructive interference) or cancel each other out
(destructive interference).
5
Wavefront Concept: The concept of wavefronts is central to understanding the wave
nature of light. A wavefront is an imaginary surface that connects points of the same
phase on a wave, such as all the peaks of a sinusoidal wave. In a coherent light source,
wavefronts are planar and parallel, allowing the light waves to remain in phase as they
propagate.
2. Interference:
Interference occurs when two or more waves superimpose to produce a resultant
wave of greater, lower, or the same amplitude. The principle of superposition states
that when two waves meet, the resulting displacement at any point is the sum of the
displacements of the individual waves at that point.
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Constructive Interference:
Constructive interference occurs when the phase difference between two waves
results in their peaks (or troughs) coinciding. Mathematically, constructive
interference happens when the path difference between the two waves is an integral
multiple of the wavelength:
Δx=nλ Where n=0,1,2,3…..
Destructive Interference:
Destructive interference occurs when the peak of one wave coincides with the trough
of another, resulting in cancellation. This happens when the path difference is an odd
1
multiple of half the wavelength; Δx= (𝑛 + 2
)λ
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Coherence and Phase Difference:
For sustained interference patterns to be observed, the light sources must be
coherent, meaning they have the same frequency and maintain a constant phase
difference. In the context of Young’s experiment, the two slits act as coherent sources
of light because they are illuminated by the same monochromatic light source.
8
Young’s Double Slit Experiment:
I. General idea of the experiment:
In Young’s Double Slit Experiment, monochromatic light (light of a single wavelength) is
passed through two narrow slits, which are spaced very close to each other.
Expectation: Two narrow slits of light are observed in accordance to corpuscular
theory of Isaac Newton as the light should have been composed of particles.
Observation: The light waves emerging from the slits interfere with each other on a
screen placed at some distance from the slits, producing an alternating pattern of bright
and dark fringes, known as an interference pattern.
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II. Working Principle
Young's Double Slit Experiment demonstrates the wave nature of light through
interference. The principle is as follows:
1. Light waves from a coherent source pass through two narrow, closely spaced slits.
2. These waves then diffract and spread out from the slits, behaving like two point
sources.
3. Where the waves overlap, they interfere constructively (peaks meet peaks) or
destructively (peaks meet troughs).
4. This interference creates a pattern of alternating bright (maxima) and dark (minima)
fringes on a screen, confirming light's wave nature.
III. Apparatus
The experimental setup can be broken down into the following key components:
[Link] Light Source: The light source used must produce coherent
light. Commonly, a laser or a sodium vapour lamp is used to produce
monochromatic light.
[Link] Slit Apparatus: The two slits must be narrow and closely spaced
(typically around 0.1 mm slit width and 0.5 mm separation). These slits act as
secondary sources of light waves.
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[Link]: A screen is placed at a distance D from the slits. The interference pattern
is projected on this screen, where bright and dark fringes can be observed.
4. Measuring Tools: A ruler, vernier callipers, or a micrometre is necessary to
measure distances such as the slit separation d, the distance D from the slits to the
screen, and the fringe width β
5. Optical Bench (Optional): An optical bench helps in aligning the experimental
setup and ensures stable measurements.
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IV. Result
[Link] Nature of Light
The experiment provided conclusive evidence that light behaves as a wave. The
observed interference pattern could only be explained if light were treated as a
wave, with crests and troughs leading to regions of constructive and destructive
interference.
This result contradicted the particle theory of light, proposed earlier by Newton,
which could not explain the interference phenomenon.
2. Coherence of Light Source
The experiment also highlighted the importance of using a coherent light
source—one where the light waves maintain a constant phase relationship.
Coherence is crucial for a stable and observable interference pattern.
If incoherent light is used (such as light from two different sources or a
broad-spectrum light source), the interference pattern becomes blurred or
disappears.
3. Impact on Modern Physics
Young's Double Slit Experiment was pivotal in establishing the wave theory of light,
and later, it played a role in the development of quantum mechanics.
When the experiment was conducted with single photons, electrons, or other
particles, it still produced an interference pattern, reinforcing the idea of
wave-particle duality—a cornerstone of quantum physics.
4. Observation changes behavior:
Interestingly, if you try to observe which slit the particle goes through (by measuring
it), the particle behaves like a normal particle, and the wave-like interference
pattern disappears. This suggests that the wave-like behavior happens only when
the particle is not being directly observed or measured at the slits.
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Mathematical Description:
Consider two slits S1 and S2 separated by a distance d, and let a screen be placed at a
distance D from the slits. Let λ represent the wavelength of the monochromatic light used.
The light waves emanating from the two slits travel different distances to reach a point P
on the screen, resulting in a path difference Δx. This path difference is given by: Δx=
𝑑 𝑠𝑖𝑛 θ
𝑦
For small angles θ, 𝑠𝑖𝑛 θ≈ 𝐷
where y is the perpendicular distance of point P from the
central maximum on the screen. Therefore, the path difference can be approximated as:
𝑦
∆𝑥 = 𝑑 𝐷
Conditions for Interference:
● Constructive Interference: Constructive interference occurs when the path difference
𝑦
∆𝑥 is an integral multiple of the wavelength λ: 𝑑∙ 𝐷
= 𝑛λ. Solving for y, the position of
λ𝐷
the nth bright fringe is given by: 𝑦 = 𝑛 𝑑
.
● Destructive Interference: Destructive interference occurs when the path difference is
𝑦 1 1 λ𝐷
an odd multiple of half-wavelength: 𝑑∙ 𝐷
= (𝑛 + 2
)λ. Solving for y: 𝑦 = (𝑛 + 2
) 𝑑
.
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Fringe Width:
The fringe width β is defined as the distance between two consecutive bright (or dark)
fringes. For the nth and (n+1)th bright fringes, the fringe width is given by:
λ𝐷
ꞵ = yn+1 - yn = 𝑑
Thus, the fringe width β depends on the wavelength λ, the distance between the slits and
the screen D, and the slit separation d.
This equation shows that the fringe width is directly proportional to the wavelength of the
light and the distance between the slits and the screen, and inversely proportional to the
distance between the slits. This relationship is central to the understanding of interference
patterns in wave optics.
Alternatively:
The intensity of light at different points on the screen depends on the path difference and
phase difference between the light waves coming from the two slits.
1. Intensity as a Function of Path Difference
The intensity at any point on the screen is proportional to the square of the resultant
amplitude of the two interfering waves. If IO is the intensity of light from a single slit,
the total intensity I at a point on the screen is given by:
I=IO(1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠∆ϕ)
Where ∆ϕ is the phase difference between the two waves. The phase difference ∆ϕ is
related to the path difference ∆x by:
2π∆𝑥
∆ϕ = λ
This shows that the intensity depends on the cosine of the phase difference, resulting
in alternating bright and dark fringes on the screen.
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2. Intensity as a Function of Phase Difference
The intensity variation as a function of phase difference Δϕ can be expressed as:
2 ∆ϕ
I=IO𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( 2
)
This equation describes how the intensity oscillates between maxima (constructive
interference) and minima (destructive interference) as the phase difference changes.
3. Graphical Representation of Intensity Distribution
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Experimental Setup:
The experiment requires careful alignment and precision. The following steps outline
the experimental procedure:
1. Setting Up the Light Source:
Begin by setting up the monochromatic light source. The light must be coherent, so a
laser is a suitable choice for this experiment. Ensure that the laser beam is directed
towards the double slit apparatus. The light passing through the slits will act as two
coherent sources.
2. Aligning the Double Slit Apparatus:
Place the double slit apparatus in the path of the laser beam. The two slits should be
parallel to each other, and the apparatus should be positioned at a fixed distance
from the light source. Adjust the setup so that the light passes evenly through both
slits.
3. Positioning the Screen:
Place a screen at a known distance D from the slits. The interference pattern will be
projected onto this screen, where the bright and dark fringes will be visible. Ensure
that the screen is perpendicular to the light beam to avoid any distortion in the
pattern.
4. Measuring Tools:
Use a ruler or vernier callipers to measure the distance between the slits and the
screen D and between adjacent bright fringes (i.e., the fringe width β). If possible,
use precision instruments like a vernier calliper or a micrometre to measure small
distances accurately.
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Experimental Procedure:
1. Setup Alignment:
Align the light source, double slit apparatus, and screen to ensure that the light
passes through the slits and produces a clear interference pattern on the screen. It is
crucial to minimise any external disturbances such as vibrations or air currents that
could distort the pattern.
2. Observation of the Pattern:
Once the setup is aligned, observe the interference pattern on the screen. The
pattern will consist of alternating bright and dark fringes. The central bright fringe
corresponds to the condition where the path difference between the two light waves
is zero, i.e., n=0
3. Measurement of Fringe Width:
● Measure the distance D between the double slit and the screen using a ruler or a
measuring tape.
● Measure the fringe width β by recording the distance between several consecutive
bright fringes. To reduce errors, measure the total distance covered by several
fringes and divide it by the number of fringes to obtain an average value for β
● Measure the slit separation d using vernier callipers or micrometres if the
dimensions are not provided by the apparatus.
4. Data Collection:
● Repeat the experiment with different slit separations d if possible, and record the
observations.
● If different monochromatic light sources (e.g., different lasers) are available, repeat
the experiment with different wavelengths λ and record the corresponding fringe
widths
● To fill in example data for the experiment, I'll use hypothetical but plausible values
based on typical experimental setups. The data should reflect measurements taken
17
with a coherent light source like a red laser (wavelength λ=632.8 nm) and realistic
experimental conditions. Here's an example of how the tables might look with
filled-in data.
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Observations:
Table 1: Fringe Width for Different Slit Separations
Wavelength λ (nm) Distance D (m) Slit Separation d (mm) Fringe Width β (mm)
632.8 nm 1.5 m 0.5 mm 1.90 mm
632.8 nm 1.5 m 0.4 mm 2.37 mm
632.8 nm 1.5 m 0.3 mm 3.16 mm
632.8 nm 1.5 m 0.2 mm 4.74 mm
Table 2: Fringe Width for Different Wavelengths
Wavelength λ (nm) Distance D (m) Slit Separation(mm) Fringe Width β (mm)
632.8 nm (Red) 1.5 m 0.5 mm 1.90 mm
532.0 nm (Green) 1.5 m 0.5 mm 1.60 mm
450.0 nm (Blue) 1.5 m 0.5 mm 1.35 mm
589.3nm(Yellow) 1.5 m 0.5 mm 1.76 mm
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Calculations:
Let’s calculate the theoretical fringe widths for the data in Table 1 using the formula
λ𝐷
β= 𝑑
Example Calculation:
For slit separation d=0.5 mm distance D=1.5m and wavelength λ=632.8 nm
−9
λ𝐷 632.8×10 ×1.5
β= 𝑑
= −3 = 1. 8984𝑚𝑚
0.5×10
Similarly, for other slit separations in Table 1:
−9
λ𝐷 632.8×10 ×1.5
● For d=0.4 mm:β = 𝑑
= −3 = 2. 373𝑚𝑚
0.4×10
−9
λ𝐷 632.8×10 ×1.5
● For d=0.3 mm:β = 𝑑 = −3 = 3. 164𝑚𝑚
0.3×10
−9
λ𝐷 632.8×10 ×1.5
● For d=0.2 mm:β = 𝑑
= −3 = 4. 746𝑚𝑚
0.2×10
These values closely match the fringe widths observed in the experiment, validating the
theoretical formula.
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Result and Analysis:
The experimental results should closely match the theoretical calculations for fringe
width. Discrepancies between the observed and calculated values can arise due to several
factors, including:
1. Misalignment of the Setup: Any misalignment between the light source, slits, and
screen can distort the interference pattern.
2. Inaccurate Measurements: Measurement errors, particularly in the slit separation d
and the distance D, can lead to deviations from the expected results.
3. Imperfections in the Double Slit Apparatus: Manufacturing imperfections in the
slits can affect the accuracy of the interference pattern.
4. External Factors: Factors such as air currents, vibrations, or temperature variations
can affect the experiment, leading to deviations in the observed fringe pattern.
By considering these potential sources of error, adjustments can be made to refine the
experimental setup and obtain more accurate results.
Applications in Modern world:
Interference plays a fundamental role in providing detailed information about wave
behaviour, precision measurements, and optical phenomena.
1. Applications in Interferometry
Interferometry uses the principle of interference to measure small distances, surface
irregularities, and refractive indices with high precision. It is widely used in science
and engineering to study waves of light, sound, or radio frequencies.
● Michelson Interferometer: A classic example used to precisely measure the
wavelength of light, distances, and optical properties. It splits a light beam into two
paths and recombines them to observe interference patterns, which shift due to
changes in path length. This technique was famously used in the Michelson-Morley
experiment to detect the speed of light and confirm that light's speed is constant in
all directions.
● LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory): One of the most
cutting-edge applications of interferometry, LIGO detects gravitational waves by
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measuring incredibly small distortions in spacetime caused by passing waves. It
uses laser interferometers capable of detecting distance changes smaller than the
diameter of a proton.
2. Thin Film Interference (e.g., Soap Bubbles, Oil Films)
Thin film interference occurs when light reflects off the surfaces of thin films, such as
soap bubbles or oil on water. The light waves reflected from the top and bottom
surfaces of the film interfere with each other, creating vivid, colourful patterns due to
the varying thickness of the film.
● Soap Bubbles: When light hits a soap bubble, part of the light reflects off the outer
surface, while some passes through, reflects off the inner surface, and then
emerges. Depending on the thickness of the bubble and the wavelength of light,
constructive or destructive interference occurs, leading to bright, swirling colors.
● Oil Films: Oil films on water or glass produce similar effects. The interference
pattern is dependent on the oil's thickness and refractive index. This principle is
used in the design of coatings on lenses or surfaces, such as anti-reflective
coatings, to reduce unwanted reflection by ensuring destructive interference for
specific wavelengths of light.
3. Applications in Precision Measurement Devices (e.g., Michelson Interferometer)
Interference is essential in devices that require extreme precision in measurement,
particularly when distances or changes in position are at the nanometer or even
smaller scale. These devices are vital for research, manufacturing, and engineering.
● Precision Optics: Interferometers are used in fabricating and testing lenses,
mirrors, and other optical components by measuring surface flatness, curvature,
and smoothness. In semiconductor manufacturing, photolithography relies on
interference patterns to create intricate circuit designs on silicon wafers.
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● Metrology: High-precision measurement tools, like Fabry-Pérot interferometers,
are used to measure wavelengths, frequencies, and distances with extreme
accuracy. These devices are critical in standards labs for ensuring the accuracy of
instruments and defining physical constants.
● Holography: An application of interference, holography records the full 3D
information of an object by capturing the interference pattern between a reference
light beam and light scattered from the object. It has applications in data storage,
art, and microscopy.
Advanced Modifications of Double Slit experiment:
[Link] Double Slit Experiment
● Wave-Particle Duality: The electron double slit experiment is a version of Young's
experiment performed with electrons instead of light. When a beam of electrons is
fired at a screen with two slits, an interference pattern similar to that of light is
observed, which demonstrates that electrons (traditionally considered particles) also
exhibit wave-like behaviour.
● Key Insight: This experiment directly confirms wave-particle duality, a key concept in
quantum mechanics, which states that particles like electrons can exhibit both
particle-like and wave-like properties depending on how they are measured.
● Conclusion: Electrons, when not observed, behave like waves and interfere with
themselves. However, if a measurement is made to determine which slit the electron
passes through, the interference pattern disappears, and the electrons behave like
particles.
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2. Double Slit with Single Photons
● Interference with Single Particles: In modern experiments, single photons are fired
one at a time at the double slits. Remarkably, even though each photon seems to pass
through only one slit, an interference pattern still builds up over time, as if each
photon interferes with itself.
● Quantum Superposition: This shows that each photon exists in a quantum
superposition of passing through both slits simultaneously, leading to an interference
pattern. This behaviour is inexplicable in classical physics, where particles can only
go through one slit or the other.
● Conclusion: The experiment demonstrates that even individual quantum particles,
such as photons or electrons, exhibit wave-like properties. The interference pattern
emerges only after a large number of particles have passed through the slits,
reinforcing the idea of quantum wavefunctions.
3. Delayed Choice Experiment
● Wheeler's Delayed Choice: The Delayed Choice Experiment, proposed by physicist
John Wheeler, is a modification of the double slit experiment that tests the nature of
reality. In this experiment, the decision to observe which slit the particle passed
through is delayed until after the particle has passed the slits. Surprisingly, even
when the decision is made after the particle should have already passed the slits, the
choice affects whether an interference pattern appears or not.
● Implications for Quantum Mechanics: The results suggest that the particle's
behaviour (wave-like or particle-like) is determined only when the measurement is
made, regardless of whether the measurement occurs after the particle has passed
the slits. This raises profound questions about the nature of reality and whether the
act of measurement influences past events.
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Conclusion:
This project achieves its objective of providing an in-depth knowledge of Young’s Double
Slit Experiment. Starting with a brief introduction about Young Thomas it delves into
further details about the impact this experiment had when it was first performed, how it
affected the study of optics and continues to provide a base for further studies of quantum
physics.
Before talking about the experiment itself, all the theory of the working of this experiment
has been covered making this report suitable for anyone with the curiosity to know more.
It then walks you through the procedure of carrying this experiment out, providing you
with knowledge about all the apparatus needed, steps to follow and results to expect.
Armed with this new knowledge, the derivation of the mathematical representation of this
λ𝐷
experiment is showcased. The theoretical expression for fringe width, β = 𝑑
is validated
by the experimental results, which confirm the relationship between the fringe width,
wavelength, distance from the slits to the screen, and slit separation. Any reason for
discrepancies are noted and are expanded on.
With a mastery on this topic and a desire to learn more, modern applications of this
experiment are briefly explained and a glimpse is provided into its advanced modifications
which emphasises how even a single breakthrough in science open up countless new
possibilities.
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Precautions:
1. Coherent and Monochromatic Light Source: Ensure that the light source is coherent
and monochromatic to produce clear and stable interference patterns.
2. Accurate Alignment: Properly align the light source, slits, and screen to avoid
distortions in the interference pattern.
3. Precise Measurements: Use precision measuring tools like vernier callipers or
micrometres to accurately measure small distances.
4. Minimise External Disturbances: Conduct the experiment in a controlled
environment to minimise external factors such as air currents and vibrations.
5. Multiple Readings: Take multiple readings to reduce random errors and improve the
accuracy of the experimental data.
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3. Hecht, E. (2017). Optics (5th ed.). Pearson Education.
4. Tipler, P. A., & Mosca, G. (2007). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (6th ed.). W. H.
Freeman and Company.
5. NCERT. (2023). Physics Part II: Textbook for Class XII. National Council of Educational
Research and Training (NCERT).
6. Knight, R. D. (2016). Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach (4th ed.).
Pearson Education.
7. Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (10th ed.).
Cengage Learning.
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