Laser light intensity and diffraction

1. The goals of the experiment

The goal of the laser light intensity and diffraction experiment is to investigate the
diffraction of light waves and how it affects the intensity of laser light. Specifically, the
experiment aims to:

a) Study the diffraction of laser light;

2. The brief representation of the experimental set-up

The experimental setup for the laser light intensity and diffraction experiment typically involves
the following components:

List of components:

• Laser
• Aperture or slit
• Lens
• Detector
• Translation stage

The experimental setup is typically set up on an optical bench to ensure precise alignment and
stability. The laser beam is directed onto the aperture or slit using mirrors or beam splitters, and the
detector is placed behind the aperture or slit to measure the diffracted light. The lens is used to
collimate the laser beam and produce a parallel beam of light.
To perform the experiment, the size of the aperture or slit is varied, and the intensity of the
diffracted laser beam is measured at different distances from the aperture or slit. The results are
then analyzed to determine the diffraction pattern and the intensity of the diffracted laser beam as a
function of the aperture or slit size. Overall, the experimental setup for the laser light intensity and
diffraction experiment is a simple but powerful way to study the diffraction and interference of light
waves.
 On the workbench B there are: a He-Ne laser (L) fed from a current source (S1), a photoresistor (F)
connected to a stabilized direct current source (S2); a resistor (R) acrosswhich the signal indicated by
the voltmeter (V) is picked up, and a stand (P) for holding the lens or diffracting objects (slit, wire).

3. Brief presentation of the experimental procedure

The experimental procedure for measuring laser light intensity and diffraction typically involves the
following steps:

1) Set up the laser: Start by setting up the laser source on a stable platform, and ensure that the
laser is aligned correctly. This may involve using a laser alignment tool and adjusting the
mirrors or lenses to direct the laser beam in the desired direction.

2) Intensity measurement: To measure the intensity of the laser light, a photodetector is typically
used. The photodetector is placed at a specific distance from the laser source, and the laser is
aimed directly at the detector. The output of the photodetector is then measured using a
multimeter or oscilloscope to determine the intensity of the laser light.

𝑟^2
I (r)= I0e− ^2
- r is the radial position of the point where the intensity I is measured
- ρ is the effective radius of the beam, defined as the radial position relative to the center of
the beam at which the intensity decreases by e times, compared to the intensity I0 of the beam on
the beam axis.

3) Diffraction measurement: To measure the diffraction pattern of the laser light, a diffraction
grating is typically used. The grating is placed in the path of the laser beam, and the resulting
diffraction pattern is observed on a screen or detector. The position and intensity of the
diffraction peaks can be measured using a ruler or photodetector, and this data can be used
to calculate the wavelength of the laser light and other relevant parameters.

The divergence angle of the laser beam is determined by measuring the radius ρ of the laser
beam on a screen located at two different positions with respect to the laser emitting end.
 Measure and record the location of the first order spots on either side of the central spot
𝑍
(z and z') in the table. Compute the average z and use it to find  (note: tan = 𝐿 ). Use  to
find .

m z z’ zav  

Repeat the measurements and calculations for the second order spots.

4) Data analysis: Once the intensity and diffraction data has been collected, it can be analyzed
using various mathematical and statistical techniques to determine the properties of the laser
light, such as its intensity distribution, coherence, and polarization.

4. Questions regarding the experiment

a) What are the characteristics of the laser beams?

Laser beams have several unique characteristics when it comes to light intensity and
diffraction:
- High Intensity: Laser beams are highly focused and concentrated, which allows them to
have a very high intensity of light. This makes them useful for a variety of applications,
such as cutting and welding.
- Coherence: Laser beams are highly coherent, which means that the light waves are in
phase with each other. This coherence allows for the formation of a highly directional
beam of light.
- Monochromatic: Laser beams are highly monochromatic, which means they consist of a
single wavelength of light. This makes them useful for a variety of scientific and medical
applications, such as spectroscopy and ophthalmology.
- Low Divergence: Laser beams have a very low divergence, which means that the beam
remains highly focused and doesn't spread out much as it travels through space.
- Diffraction: Despite having low divergence, laser beams can still exhibit diffraction when
they encounter an obstacle or a slit. This diffraction can cause the beam to spread out
and create interference patterns. The degree of diffraction depends on the size of the
obstacle or slit relative to the wavelength of the laser beam.
 b) Can you obtain diffraction o laser light by the edge of a razor blade? If the answer is yes,
how can you explain it, since the razor blade is a large object?

Yes, it is possible to observe diffraction of laser light when it passes through the edge of a
razor blade, even though the razor blade is a relatively large object.
The reason for this is that when the laser light passes through the edge of the razor blade, it
encounters an obstruction that causes the light waves to diffract or bend around the edge. This
bending of the light waves causes them to spread out and create a diffraction pattern on a screen
or surface placed behind the razor blade.
Even though the razor blade is a large object, the diffraction of light occurs on a very small
scale. The width of the razor blade edge acts as a narrow aperture or slit that is comparable in
size to the wavelength of the laser light. When the laser light passes through this narrow slit, it
undergoes diffraction, causing it to spread out and create an interference pattern on the screen.
So, in summary, even though the razor blade is a large object, the edge of the blade acts as a
small aperture or slit that causes diffraction of the laser light.

c) What is the component of the experimental setup which allows us to measure the laser
light intensity?

The component of an experimental setup that allows us to measure the laser light intensity is a
light detector.
A detector is an electronic device that detects light and converts the light energy into an
electrical signal. There are different types of detectors, such as photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes,
and charge-coupled devices (CCDs), each with their own specific advantages and disadvantages.
In laser experiments, a detector is typically placed at some distance from the laser source to measure
the intensity of the laser beam.
The sensitivity and dynamic range of the detector are important factors to consider when
selecting a detector for a laser experiment. Additionally, factors such as the wavelength of the laser
light and the power level of the laser beam can also affect the choice of detector.

d) Can we use in this experiment a different light source?

It depends on the specific experiment and the requirements for the light source.
In general, if the goal of the experiment is to investigate the behavior of laser light or to study a
phenomenon that is specific to laser light, then a laser source would be necessary. Laser light has
unique properties, such as high intensity, coherence, and monochromaticity, that cannot be
replicated by other types of light sources.
It is important to note that the choice of light source can greatly affect the experimental results,
and therefore, it is important to select a light source that is appropriate for the specific experiment
and that meets the experimental requirements.