Principle
Laser light is diffracted at a doubel slit. Using the measured minima of the intensity profile, the laser wavelength is calculated from the known slit width and the known distance to the sensor.
Tasks
- Set up the experiment and measure the distance between the slit and the sensor.
- Record the intensity profile of the diffraction pattern.
- Calculate the laser wavelength.
Learning objectives
Students investigate diffraction at a double slit and experimentally determine the wavelength of the laser.
Benefits
- Clear investigation of a central phenomenon in wave optics
- Development of experimental skills and confident handling of measurement data
- Comparison of several slit widths in a compact setup

