Diffraction Calculator - Physics Calculations & Wave Optics
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How It Works
Select Type
Choose diffraction pattern
Enter Parameters
Input wave and geometry data
Common Examples
Diffraction Calculator
Calculator Information
What
Calculate wave diffraction patterns through slits and gratings using wave optics principles.
Why
Essential for understanding wave behavior, optical instruments, and interference phenomena in physics.
Applications
Spectroscopy, optical design, laser physics, and wave optics experiments.
Calculation Examples
| Type | Parameters | Formula | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Slit | a=50μm, λ=650nm | a sin θ = mλ | Laser diffraction |
| Double-Slit | d=100μm, λ=550nm | d sin θ = mλ | Young's experiment |
| Grating | 600 lines/mm, λ=589nm | d sin θ = mλ | Spectroscopy |
| CD/DVD | 1.6μm tracks, λ=780nm | d sin θ = mλ | Optical storage |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this diffraction calculator work?
Select diffraction type, enter wave parameters (wavelength, slit dimensions), and the calculator applies appropriate wave optics formulas to find angles and positions.
What parameters do I need to input?
Wavelength (nm), slit width/separation (μm), screen distance (m), and diffraction order. Specific inputs depend on the diffraction type selected.
What's the difference between single-slit and double-slit diffraction?
Single-slit creates minima (dark fringes) at a sin θ = mλ. Double-slit creates maxima (bright fringes) at d sin θ = mλ, where d is slit separation.
How do diffraction gratings work?
Gratings have many parallel slits with spacing d = 1/N (N = lines per mm). They produce sharp, bright maxima at d sin θ = mλ, used in spectroscopy.
What wavelengths should I use for visible light?
Violet: 380-450nm, Blue: 450-495nm, Green: 495-570nm, Yellow: 570-590nm, Orange: 590-620nm, Red: 620-750nm.
Why do I get "no diffraction exists" errors?
This occurs when sin θ > 1, which is physically impossible. Try smaller diffraction orders, larger slit dimensions, or longer wavelengths.
What are practical applications of diffraction calculations?
Optical instrument design, laser beam shaping, spectroscopy, holography, X-ray crystallography, and analyzing wave properties of particles.