The angle of observation directly affects the intensity pattern. As the angle changes, the interference pattern shifts accordingly.
The width of the slit determines the spacing of diffraction minima. Narrower slits produce wider diffraction patterns.
This simulation assumes the Fraunhofer condition: both source and observation screen are effectively at infinity.
Fraunhofer diffraction occurs when both the light source and the observation screen are effectively at infinity. For a single slit of width b, the intensity I at angle θ is given by:
sin(πb sin θ/λ)
(πb sin θ/λ)
Where I₀ is the maximum intensity, λ is the wavelength, and b is the slit width.
Adjust the wavelength slider to select different colors of light. This affects the diffraction pattern spacing.
Select the aperture type and adjust its width. Narrower apertures create wider diffraction patterns.
Move the angle slider to observe how the diffraction pattern changes at different observation angles.
Watch how the diffraction pattern changes. Use the zoom controls to examine details of the intensity distribution.