Simulation of Double Slit Experiment

Just as we can study a real interference pattern for light we can also conduct an experiment using electrons. However the equipment required is rather expensive and it is unlikely that you will have access to it. For this tutorial we will simulate the experiment using a computer program.

Instructions:

1. Open the Double Slit program and click on the source tube labeled Photons forth from the left side of the screen.
2. Move the Slit Separation slider to approximately 10000 nm.
3. Click Start and let the program run until enough photons are present to form a pattern.

The pattern that accumulates should resemble the double slit interference pattern we observed for light from a laser (areas of bright and dark).

To refresh your knowledge of light interference repeat the process for varying wavelengths of photons. You can save and compare your runs by clicking and dragging the pattern over to the spaces provided on the right hand side of the screen.

Once you have experimented with the program answer the following questions:
· How does the interference pattern change with wavelength?
· Given that E = hc/l, how does the interference pattern change with light energy?