CONTENT

Sl. No. Topic Pg No.

1 Abstract 2
2 Acknowledgement 3
3 Introduction 4
4 Experimental Setup 6
5 Interference By Simulation
5.1 Monochromatic Light: Green 7
5.2 Monochromatic Light: Red 9
5.3 Monochromatic Light: Yellow 11
5.4 Monochromatic Light: Blue 13
5.5 Monochromatic Light: Purple 15
5.6 Monochromatic Light: Orange 17
5.7 Monochromatic Light: Violet 19
6 Analysis 21
7 Conclusion 23
8 Future Scope 24
9 Reference 26

Page 1
 A Report on Young’s double slit
Experiment
Anurag Bhowmick of Class 12 D,
Hill Top School, Jamshedpur

ABSTRACT

The Young's double-slit experiment is a fundamental physics experiment that

demonstrates the wave-like nature of light. In this project, we have investigated
the Young's double-slit experiment using a computer simulation.

Our computer simulation results are consistent with the theoretical predictions for
the interference pattern produced by the experiment.

Our results provide strong evidence for the wave-like nature of light. The
interference pattern produced by the experiment cannot be explained by a particle
theory of light, as particles would simply travel in straight lines through the slits
and produce two bright spots on the screen.

The Young's double-slit experiment is a powerful tool for studying the wave-like
nature of light and other phenomena, such as the diffraction of light and the
wave-particle duality of matter. Our project has demonstrated the usefulness of
the Young's double-slit experiment in both computer simulation and laboratory
experiments.

Keywords: Interference, superposition, simulation, YDSE, wave, coherent.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am deeply grateful to my physics teacher, Mr. Md Soaib Khan, for his

unwavering support and encouragement throughout this project. His insights and
suggestions were invaluable, and I am truly thankful for his patience and
understanding.

I am also grateful for the opportunity to have worked on this project. I am proud
of the results we have achieved together, and I am confident that the knowledge
and skills I have gained will be invaluable to me in the future.

Thank you again, sir, for being an inspiring mentor. Your dedication to fostering
a passion for physics and nurturing the growth of your students has left a lasting
impact on me.

Anurag Bhowmick

Page 3
 INTRODUCTION

When two slits are utilized, photons or matter particles (such as an election) form
a wave pattern. The double-slit experiment is a proof in current physics that light
and matter can exhibit properties of both classically defined waves and particles.
It also shows that quantum mechanical processes are inherently probabilistic. In
1927, Davisson and Germer carried out the initial experiment.

Young developed the now-famous idea for the double slit experiment in May
1801, while considering some of Newton's experiments. He conducted an
experiment that was a part of classical physics, which came before wave-particle
duality and quantum mechanics. Young's experiment or Young's slits are two
names for his experiment, which he thought proved the validity of the wave
theory of light.

This particular experiment is a member of a larger category of "double path"

studies, in which a wave is initially split into two distinct waves before coming
together as a single wave. An interference pattern is produced when the phase of
both waves shifts as a result of changes in their respective paths. The Mach-
Zehnder interferometer, which divides the beam with a mirror, is an alternative
design.

Young initially conducted the experiment using just one thin card instead of two
slits. He taped a piece of paper with a tiny hole over a window. This opening
allowed for the passage of a tiny light beam. He split the light beam in half by
holding the card in the path of the light. Young saw fringes on the next wall as a
result of light from one side of the card interfering with light from the other side
of the card.

Young also calculated the wavelengths of various colors of light using this data,
and his results were remarkably accurate. Young discussed interference of light

Page 4
waves and the slit experiment in his talk to the Royal Society in November 1801,
which was headed "On the theory of light and color." Additionally, he provided a
comparison between sound waves and water waves and even created a wave tank
demonstration to demonstrate interference patterns in water.

Young's experiment, conducted in the early 1800s, was crucial in the adoption of
the wave theory of light, which defeated Isaac Newton's corpuscular theory of
light, which had previously been the accepted explanation of light propagation in
the 17th and 18th centuries.

However, the later discovery of the photoelectric effect showed that light may act
differently depending on the situation as if it were made up of separate particles.
Due to these seemingly incongruous findings, it became necessary to transcend
classical physics and take into consideration the quantum nature of light.

Feynman postulated (as a thought experiment) that the interference pattern would
vanish if detectors were positioned before each slit.

G. I. Taylor conducted the first low-intensity double-slit experiment in 1909 by

lowering the amount of incoming light until the majority of the photon
emission/absorption events were non-overlapping. Claus Jonsson of the
University of Tubingen accomplished the first double-slit experiment with
electron beams after years of using just light. The single-electron version of the
experiment was named "the most beautiful experiment" in 2002. In 1974, Italian
physicists Pier Giorgio Merli, Gian Franco Missiroli, and Giulio Pozzi repeated
the experiment using single elections and biprism (instead of slits),
demonstrating that each electron interferes with itself as predicted by quantum
theory.

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 EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

Allowing light to pass through two narrow slits after passing through a narrow-
slit S irradiated by a monochromatic source. A and B are positioned extremely
closely together. Each slit is around 0.03 mm wide and spaced 0.3 mm apart.
Light waves from S arrive at A and B in phase because A and B are equally
spaced apart from S. As a result, sources A and B are consistent. Huygen's
principle states that wavelets from A and B spread out and overlap to the right of
AB. Equally spaced alternate light and dark fringes show up on a screen XY
when it is positioned about 1 meter away from the slits. These are referred to as
interference bands or fringes. The fringes may be seen clearly with an eyepiece.
The waves from A and B arrive in phase at P on the screen after traveling an
identical distance. Bright fringe is seen at P due to the constructive interference
between these two waves. We refer to this as core brilliant fringe. The fringes
vanish and the screen is uniformly lighted when one of the apertures is covered.
This makes it quite evident that interference is to blame for the bands. Let d
represent the separation between two coherent sources with wavelengths A and
B. A screen XY is positioned parallel to AB and set back from the coherent
sources by a distance D. The midpoint of AB is C. A and B are equally distant
from a spot on the screen called O. In the illustration, P is a point located at a
distance of x from O. Depending on the difference in the two waves' paths, waves
from A and B collide at P either in phase or out of phase.

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 INTERFERENCE BY SIMULATION
Monochromatic Light: Green

Fig 1.1- interference of light with green source with slit width 500nm

I. When the two waves superimpose, a pattern of regular bright and

dark fringe appears on the screen.
II. The brightest fringe is formed in the center.
III. It was discovered that the fringes at the extremities were slightly
faded.
IV. The intensity is unaffected by changes in slit width or distance
from the center.
V. The pattern changed as stated when we increased the slit width by
50nm two times.

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 Fig 1.2- interference of light with green source with slit width 550nm

When slit width was increased to 550 nm, the fringe width increased

Fig 1.3 - interference of light with green source with slit width 600nm

When slit width was increased to 600 nm, the fringe width further
increased

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 Monochromatic Light: Red

Fig 2.1- interference of light with red source with slit width 500nm

I. When the two waves superimpose, a pattern of regular bright and

dark fringe appears on the screen.
II. The brightest fringe is formed in the center.
III. It was discovered that the fringes at the extremities were slightly
faded.
IV. The intensity is unaffected by changes in slit width or distance
from the center.
V. The fringe width is more than Green chromatic light.
VI. The pattern changed as stated when we increased the slit width by
50nm two times.

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 Fig 2.2 - interference of light with red source with slit width 550nm
When slit width was increased to 550 nm, the fringe width increased

Fig 2.3 - interference of light with red source with slit width 600nm

When slit width was increased to 600 nm, the fringe width further
increased

Monochromatic Light: Yellow

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 Fig 3.1- interference of light with yellow source with slit width 500nm

I. When the two waves superimpose, a pattern of regular bright and

dark fringe appears on the screen.
II. The brightest fringe is formed in the center.
III. It was discovered that the fringes at the extremities were slightly
faded.
IV. The intensity is unaffected by changes in slit width or distance
from the center.
V. The fringe width is more than Green chromatic light.
VI. The pattern changed as stated when we increased the slit width by
50nm two times.

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 Fig 3.2 - interference of light with yellow source with slit width 550nm

When slit width was increased to 550 nm, the fringe width increased

Fig 3.3 - interference of light with yellow source with slit width 600nm

When slit width was increased to 600 nm, the fringe width further
increased

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 Monochromatic Light: Blue

Fig 4.1 - interference of light with blue source with slit width 500nm

I. When the two waves superimpose, a pattern of regular bright and

dark fringe appears on the screen.
II. The brightest fringe is formed in the center.
III. It was discovered that the fringes at the extremities were slightly
faded.
IV. The intensity is unaffected by changes in slit width or distance
from the center.
V. The fringe width is more than Green chromatic light.
VI. The pattern changed as stated when we increased the slit width by
50nm two times.

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 Fig 4.2 - interference of light with blue source with slit width 550nm

When slit width was increased to 550 nm, the fringe width increased

Fig 4.3 - interference of light with blue source with slit width 600nm

When slit width was increased to 600 nm, the fringe width further increased

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 Monochromatic Light: Purple

Fig 5.1 - interference of light with purple source with slit width 500nm

I. When the two waves superimpose, a pattern of regular bright and

dark fringe appears on the screen.
II. The brightest fringe is formed in the center.
III. It was discovered that the fringes at the extremities were slightly
faded.
IV. The intensity is unaffected by changes in slit width or distance
from the center.
V. The pattern changed as stated when we increased the slit width by
50nm two times.

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 Fig 5.2 - interference of light with purple source with slit width 550nm

When slit width was increased to 550 nm, the fringe width increased

Fig 5.3 - interference of light with purple source with slit width 600nm

When slit width was increased to 600 nm, the fringe width further increased

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 Monochromatic Light: Orange

Fig 6.1 - interference of light with orange source with slit width 500nm

I. When the two waves superimpose, a pattern of regular bright and

dark fringe appears on the screen.
II. The brightest fringe is formed in the center.
III. It was discovered that the fringes at the extremities were slightly
faded.
IV. The intensity is unaffected by changes in slit width or distance
from the center.
V. The pattern changed as stated when we increased the slit width by
50nm two times.

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 Fig 6.2 - interference of light with orange source with slit width 550nm

When slit width was increased to 550 nm, the fringe width increased

Fig 6.3 - interference of light with orange source with slit width 600nm

When slit width was increased to 600 nm, the fringe width further increased

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 Monochromatic Light: Violet

Fig 7.1 - interference of light with violet source with slit width 500nm

I. When the two waves superimpose, a pattern of regular bright and

dark fringe appears on the screen.
II. The brightest fringe is formed in the center.
III. It was discovered that the fringes at the extremities were slightly
faded.
IV. The intensity is unaffected by changes in slit width or distance
from the center.
V. The pattern changed as stated when we increased the slit width by
50nm two times.

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 Fig 7.2 - interference of light with violet source with slit width 550nm

When slit width was increased to 550 nm, the fringe width increased

Fig 7.3 - interference of light with violet source with slit width 600nm

When slit width was increased to 600 nm, the fringe width further increased

ANALYSIS

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 Experimentation reveals that fringes form and that the fringe width in both cases is of
exactly equal length. By simulation, it is discovered that increasing the slit width
decreases the fringe width in all cases while keeping the distance between the screen
and the slit constant. As a result, if is the fringe width and d is the slit width, then

1
β=D & β=
d

The fringe width grows as more monochromatic coherent light sources are used. The
wavelength of red light is the longest, so it has the longest wavelength. As a result, if
is the wavelength of the light used, then
β=λ

As a result, we can deduce the relationship between the fringe widths as

λ×D
β=
d

Further, On bringing a glass filled with water, the central fringe is shifted depending
open the refractive index(μ) of the medium and the thickness in case of glass slab.

On bringing a medium of refractive index (μ), the fringe width decreases by the
relation

β
β=
μ

Where β` is the new fringe width.

The shift in the fringe width is given by the relation,

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 (nλ−(μ−1)t )× D
γ= d

Where:

 λ is wavelength of the light used

 γ is the shift in fringe width
 μ is the refractive index of the medium
 t is the thickness of the medium
 d is the distance between the slits
 D is the distance between the slits and the screen

CONCLUSION

Page 22
We investigated the Young's double-slit experiment successfully in this physics
project. We measured the wavelength of light using the experiment's interference
pattern, and we confirmed the theoretical predictions for the spacing of the
fringes in the pattern.

Our findings provide compelling evidence for light's wave-like nature. A particle
theory of light cannot explain the interference pattern produced by the
experiment because particles would simply travel in straight lines through the
slits and produce two bright spots on the screen.

The Young's double-slit experiment is one of physics' most important

experiments, and it was instrumental in the development of quantum mechanics.
Young's double-slit experiment has several significant implications for our
understanding of the universe. For starters, it shows that light has wave-like
properties. This contrasts with the particle theory of light, which was widely
accepted prior to Young's double-slit experiment.

Second, the experiment demonstrates that light can cause interference with itself.
This means that two light waves with different intensities and phases can
combine to form a new light wave. Interference is responsible for a wide range of
phenomena, including rainbows seen after a rainstorm.

Third, the Young's double-slit experiment has implications for how we think
about wave-particle duality. The concept of wave-particle duality states that all
objects have both wave-like and particle-like properties.

FUTURE SCOPE

Page 23
The future scope of the Young's double-slit experiment is vast, and as technology
continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and ground-
breaking applications of this fundamental physics experiment.

Here are a few specific examples of future research projects that could be based
on the Young's double-slit experiment, as per today:

 Developing new types of lasers: The Young's double-slit experiment

could be used to develop new types of lasers with more precise and
controlled output. This could have applications in a variety of fields,
including medicine, manufacturing, and communications.
 Improving the accuracy of optical sensors: The Young's double-slit
experiment could be used to improve the accuracy of optical sensors, such
as those used in self-driving cars and medical devices. This could lead to
safer and more effective products and technologies.
 Testing new theories of quantum physics: The Young's double-slit
experiment could be used to test new theories of quantum physics, such as
those related to the nature of light and the wave-particle duality of matter.
This could lead to a deeper understanding of the universe and its workings.

In addition to these specific examples, the Young's double-slit experiment is also

likely to play a role in the development of new and emerging technologies, such
as quantum computing and artificial intelligence.

As we continue to learn more about the Young's double-slit experiment and its
applications, we can expect to see even more innovative and ground-breaking
developments in the years to come.

Here are some additional thoughts on the future scope of the Young's double-slit
experiment, based on current trends in physics and technology:

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  Using the Young's double-slit experiment to study exotic
materials: New materials with unique properties are being discovered all
the time. The Young's double-slit experiment could be used to study the
optical properties of these materials, which could lead to new applications
in photonics and other fields.
 Using the Young's double-slit experiment to develop new quantum
technologies: Quantum technologies, such as quantum computers and
quantum cryptography, are rapidly developing. The Young's double-slit
experiment could be used to develop new and improved quantum devices.
 Using the Young's double-slit experiment to teach physics in new and
innovative ways: The Young's double-slit experiment is a powerful tool
for teaching physics concepts such as wave-particle duality and
interference. New educational tools and resources could be developed to
use the Young's double-slit experiment to teach physics in more effective
and engaging ways.

Overall, the future scope of the Young's double-slit experiment is very bright. It
is a fundamental physics experiment that has the potential to lead to new
developments in a wide range of fields, including technology, physics, and
education.

REFRENCE

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 https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/wave-interference/latest/wave-
interference_all.html
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_interference
 https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/wave-interference/teaching-
resources
 https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/wave-interference/activities
 https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php?leph1=0-8
 https://bard.google.com/chat/4e1caeacd2cf831b
 https://app.humata.ai/ask/file/219abc63-8c09-4ec7-b3d4-7f78f061240d

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