Wavelength of a Laser Demo
Wavelength of a Laser Demo
Wavelength of a Laser Demo

 

Code Number: 6D20.15

Demo Title: Gratings - Wavelength of a Laser

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Diffraction and Wavelength

Area of Study: Optics, Astronomy

Equipment: 

Different color lasers, slit plate, meter stick or meter tape measurer.

Procedure:

The laser array of 6 different colors can be found on the laser and Cornell plate cart.

Some simple geometry will allow you to determine the wavelength of the laser light you shine through a single slit.  You will need to know the width of the slit, the distance from the slit to the screen, and the spacing between the spots that make up the interference pattern.  Use lasers of different colors if desired.

References:

  • Dinh Xuan Khoa and Nguyen Huy Bang, "A Low-Cost Experimental Kit for Teaching Wave Optics Based on the CDIO Approach", TPT, Vol. 57, #3, Mar. 2019, p. 168.
  • David K. Walker, "Visible Diffracted Rays", TPT, Vol. 11, #7, Oct. 1973, p. 435, reprinted in TPT, Vol. 40, #3, Mar. 2002, p. 185.
  • Borislaw Bilash II and David Maiullo, "Bragging About Diffraction", A Demo a Day: A Year of Physics Demonstrations, p. 352.
6D20.15 - Gratings - Wavelength of a Laser