Event Title
Generation of Diffraction Gratings Using Photographic Film
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Physics
Mentor Information
Richard Vallery
Department
Physics
Location
Kirkhof Center 2270
Start Date
10-4-2013 12:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2013 12:00 AM
Keywords
Physical Science
Abstract
The properties of light is one of the most interesting and complex topics in physics. For instance, multiple sources of light can interact with each other to create what are known as diffraction patterns - a series of alternating bright and dark spots. These patterns can be produced from a single source of light by use of a diffraction grating, which splits a source of light into multiple sources that can interact with each other. Commercial diffraction gratings are generally made from etched glass. This project determines how well they can be made using an alternative method: photographic film. Photographs of a diffraction grating pattern were taken and developed onto slide film. The slides were tested using a helium-neon laser and factors such as exposure, focal length, and line spacing of the grating were tested for effectiveness. Effective gratings were ones producing a clear diffraction pattern.
Generation of Diffraction Gratings Using Photographic Film
Kirkhof Center 2270
The properties of light is one of the most interesting and complex topics in physics. For instance, multiple sources of light can interact with each other to create what are known as diffraction patterns - a series of alternating bright and dark spots. These patterns can be produced from a single source of light by use of a diffraction grating, which splits a source of light into multiple sources that can interact with each other. Commercial diffraction gratings are generally made from etched glass. This project determines how well they can be made using an alternative method: photographic film. Photographs of a diffraction grating pattern were taken and developed onto slide film. The slides were tested using a helium-neon laser and factors such as exposure, focal length, and line spacing of the grating were tested for effectiveness. Effective gratings were ones producing a clear diffraction pattern.