Double slit experiment question?

Question

What is the ideal width of slits and their separation? WHat happens when the width/separation are less or more than the ideal values?

Also is there an ideal length of slits too that one must adhere to?

I need the min/max values of width/length/separation in terms of lambda (wavelength) being studied.

What is the max width of slits beyond which the experiment fails?

Answer 1

The slit width should be as small (narrow) as possible. This works on the same principle as a "pin hole" camera. If the slits (or the pin hole) is too large, the experiment will not work.

The length of the slits is determined by the light source. The larger the source or the more parallel the "beams of light," the longer the slits can be.

The distance between the slits is a function of the wavelength of light used. It will determine the position of the "light" and "dark" bands. See the second site:

Answer 2

I think the width of slits must be shorter than wave length for it to show those diffraction patterns.

Answer 3

there will be no diffraction if the apperture is large when compared to the wavelength of the light used.
the ideal apperture will be 1.5 times the lambda.
i hope u know that these phenomena become noticable when the apperture width is comparable with wavelength of light

Answer 4

It doesn't really matter, though as the first answerer said they should be a very small slits. Here's the Wiki on how to reproduce this experiment yourself:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment

Answer 5

Good question?

Answer 6

you won't get good fringes

Answer 7

DEFINATLY NOT ME!