In Young's double slit experiment, can there be an even number of maxima in the central envelope maximum?











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In Young's double slit experiment, can we get an even number of maxima in the central envelope maximum? If so how and why the regular modelling of the double split interfaces is with an odd number like in the picture



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Source of the pic: Hyperphysics










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    In Young's double slit experiment, can we get an even number of maxima in the central envelope maximum? If so how and why the regular modelling of the double split interfaces is with an odd number like in the picture



    enter image description here



    Source of the pic: Hyperphysics










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      In Young's double slit experiment, can we get an even number of maxima in the central envelope maximum? If so how and why the regular modelling of the double split interfaces is with an odd number like in the picture



      enter image description here



      Source of the pic: Hyperphysics










      share|cite|improve this question















      In Young's double slit experiment, can we get an even number of maxima in the central envelope maximum? If so how and why the regular modelling of the double split interfaces is with an odd number like in the picture



      enter image description here



      Source of the pic: Hyperphysics







      optics waves double-slit-experiment






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      edited 4 hours ago









      knzhou

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      asked 8 hours ago









      Learnero

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          3 Answers
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          In order for two maximum interference fringes to appear, it is necessary to break the reflection symmetry between the two slits. If this symmetry remains unbroken, the phases associated with paths through the top and bottom slits always match, and the amplitudes interfere constructively as mentioned by Tausif Hossain. There are many ways to break this symmetry, most of which involve doing so at a classical level (this is the case, for example, in Pieter's answer pertaining to double slit interference of photons.)



          In the case of double slit interference of electrons, it is possible to break the symmetry in a way that is intrinsically quantum mechanical (preserving the reflection symmetry at a classical level) using the Aharonov Bohm effect. If you insert a thin magnetic flux through and perpendicular to the electron beam and tune it to just the right value, you should be able to obtain an even number of maxima. (Whether you can get more than two maxima is another story, and probably depends more sensitively on how the magnetic flux is distributed.)






          share|cite|improve this answer






























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            One can get an even number of fringes by covering the pair of slits with a wedge of glass or plastic that gives half a wavelength more delay at one slit than at the other.






            share|cite|improve this answer




























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              Notice that if it is strictly a double slit experiment with a coherent light source then there will always be a central bright fringe where the path difference between the waves is zero(which is that, there is a point in the screen which is equidistant from the slits which lies on the perpendicular bisector of the slits). Hence the constructive interference at the center and the bright fringe.



              Thus, as long as that center fringe exists and also as there is symmetry ofcourse between the path differences on both sides of the central bright fringe. So the other bright fringes occur in pairs (like staring from 1 wavelength path difference from each side and so on).So, the number of fringes is always $1+2n$ (Where 1 is for the central bright fringe). Hence an odd number of bright fringes.






              share|cite|improve this answer





















              • I had doubts about it cause I read this question "In YDSE, what should be the width of each slit to obtain 20 maxima of the double slit pattern within the central maximum of the single slit pattern? (d=1mm)" The solution was like this Distance between the slits = d = 1 mm Path difference = a sinθ ≅ aθ = λ ⇒ θ = λ /a Width of central maximum of the single slit = 2 λ/a Width of the 20 maxima = 20 x fringe spacing = 20 x λ/d Width of central maximum of the single slit = Width of the 20 maxima of double slit 2 λ/a= 20 x λ/d a = d/10 = 0.1 mm So how is that possible?
                – Learnero
                8 hours ago










              • What I think the question meant is there are 20 Maxima apart from the central maxima. Hence you can say there are 10 Maxima on each side of the central fringe.
                – Tausif Hossain
                8 hours ago










              • Thank you Tausif
                – Learnero
                8 hours ago










              • You’re welcome. If you think the answer is satisfactory please accept it by clicking the “tick” icon.
                – Tausif Hossain
                8 hours ago






              • 2




                This ans. is correct for standard arrangement. You might find it interesting that you can also shift the fringe pattern by more than you shift the envelope, by putting a thin piece of glass over the slits, slightly thicker at one slit than the other. In this way even numbers are possible (and c.f. "blazed grating").
                – Andrew Steane
                7 hours ago











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              3 Answers
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              up vote
              2
              down vote



              accepted










              In order for two maximum interference fringes to appear, it is necessary to break the reflection symmetry between the two slits. If this symmetry remains unbroken, the phases associated with paths through the top and bottom slits always match, and the amplitudes interfere constructively as mentioned by Tausif Hossain. There are many ways to break this symmetry, most of which involve doing so at a classical level (this is the case, for example, in Pieter's answer pertaining to double slit interference of photons.)



              In the case of double slit interference of electrons, it is possible to break the symmetry in a way that is intrinsically quantum mechanical (preserving the reflection symmetry at a classical level) using the Aharonov Bohm effect. If you insert a thin magnetic flux through and perpendicular to the electron beam and tune it to just the right value, you should be able to obtain an even number of maxima. (Whether you can get more than two maxima is another story, and probably depends more sensitively on how the magnetic flux is distributed.)






              share|cite|improve this answer



























                up vote
                2
                down vote



                accepted










                In order for two maximum interference fringes to appear, it is necessary to break the reflection symmetry between the two slits. If this symmetry remains unbroken, the phases associated with paths through the top and bottom slits always match, and the amplitudes interfere constructively as mentioned by Tausif Hossain. There are many ways to break this symmetry, most of which involve doing so at a classical level (this is the case, for example, in Pieter's answer pertaining to double slit interference of photons.)



                In the case of double slit interference of electrons, it is possible to break the symmetry in a way that is intrinsically quantum mechanical (preserving the reflection symmetry at a classical level) using the Aharonov Bohm effect. If you insert a thin magnetic flux through and perpendicular to the electron beam and tune it to just the right value, you should be able to obtain an even number of maxima. (Whether you can get more than two maxima is another story, and probably depends more sensitively on how the magnetic flux is distributed.)






                share|cite|improve this answer

























                  up vote
                  2
                  down vote



                  accepted







                  up vote
                  2
                  down vote



                  accepted






                  In order for two maximum interference fringes to appear, it is necessary to break the reflection symmetry between the two slits. If this symmetry remains unbroken, the phases associated with paths through the top and bottom slits always match, and the amplitudes interfere constructively as mentioned by Tausif Hossain. There are many ways to break this symmetry, most of which involve doing so at a classical level (this is the case, for example, in Pieter's answer pertaining to double slit interference of photons.)



                  In the case of double slit interference of electrons, it is possible to break the symmetry in a way that is intrinsically quantum mechanical (preserving the reflection symmetry at a classical level) using the Aharonov Bohm effect. If you insert a thin magnetic flux through and perpendicular to the electron beam and tune it to just the right value, you should be able to obtain an even number of maxima. (Whether you can get more than two maxima is another story, and probably depends more sensitively on how the magnetic flux is distributed.)






                  share|cite|improve this answer














                  In order for two maximum interference fringes to appear, it is necessary to break the reflection symmetry between the two slits. If this symmetry remains unbroken, the phases associated with paths through the top and bottom slits always match, and the amplitudes interfere constructively as mentioned by Tausif Hossain. There are many ways to break this symmetry, most of which involve doing so at a classical level (this is the case, for example, in Pieter's answer pertaining to double slit interference of photons.)



                  In the case of double slit interference of electrons, it is possible to break the symmetry in a way that is intrinsically quantum mechanical (preserving the reflection symmetry at a classical level) using the Aharonov Bohm effect. If you insert a thin magnetic flux through and perpendicular to the electron beam and tune it to just the right value, you should be able to obtain an even number of maxima. (Whether you can get more than two maxima is another story, and probably depends more sensitively on how the magnetic flux is distributed.)







                  share|cite|improve this answer














                  share|cite|improve this answer



                  share|cite|improve this answer








                  edited 7 hours ago

























                  answered 7 hours ago









                  fs137

                  2,510815




                  2,510815






















                      up vote
                      5
                      down vote













                      One can get an even number of fringes by covering the pair of slits with a wedge of glass or plastic that gives half a wavelength more delay at one slit than at the other.






                      share|cite|improve this answer

























                        up vote
                        5
                        down vote













                        One can get an even number of fringes by covering the pair of slits with a wedge of glass or plastic that gives half a wavelength more delay at one slit than at the other.






                        share|cite|improve this answer























                          up vote
                          5
                          down vote










                          up vote
                          5
                          down vote









                          One can get an even number of fringes by covering the pair of slits with a wedge of glass or plastic that gives half a wavelength more delay at one slit than at the other.






                          share|cite|improve this answer












                          One can get an even number of fringes by covering the pair of slits with a wedge of glass or plastic that gives half a wavelength more delay at one slit than at the other.







                          share|cite|improve this answer












                          share|cite|improve this answer



                          share|cite|improve this answer










                          answered 7 hours ago









                          Pieter

                          7,28231430




                          7,28231430






















                              up vote
                              4
                              down vote













                              Notice that if it is strictly a double slit experiment with a coherent light source then there will always be a central bright fringe where the path difference between the waves is zero(which is that, there is a point in the screen which is equidistant from the slits which lies on the perpendicular bisector of the slits). Hence the constructive interference at the center and the bright fringe.



                              Thus, as long as that center fringe exists and also as there is symmetry ofcourse between the path differences on both sides of the central bright fringe. So the other bright fringes occur in pairs (like staring from 1 wavelength path difference from each side and so on).So, the number of fringes is always $1+2n$ (Where 1 is for the central bright fringe). Hence an odd number of bright fringes.






                              share|cite|improve this answer





















                              • I had doubts about it cause I read this question "In YDSE, what should be the width of each slit to obtain 20 maxima of the double slit pattern within the central maximum of the single slit pattern? (d=1mm)" The solution was like this Distance between the slits = d = 1 mm Path difference = a sinθ ≅ aθ = λ ⇒ θ = λ /a Width of central maximum of the single slit = 2 λ/a Width of the 20 maxima = 20 x fringe spacing = 20 x λ/d Width of central maximum of the single slit = Width of the 20 maxima of double slit 2 λ/a= 20 x λ/d a = d/10 = 0.1 mm So how is that possible?
                                – Learnero
                                8 hours ago










                              • What I think the question meant is there are 20 Maxima apart from the central maxima. Hence you can say there are 10 Maxima on each side of the central fringe.
                                – Tausif Hossain
                                8 hours ago










                              • Thank you Tausif
                                – Learnero
                                8 hours ago










                              • You’re welcome. If you think the answer is satisfactory please accept it by clicking the “tick” icon.
                                – Tausif Hossain
                                8 hours ago






                              • 2




                                This ans. is correct for standard arrangement. You might find it interesting that you can also shift the fringe pattern by more than you shift the envelope, by putting a thin piece of glass over the slits, slightly thicker at one slit than the other. In this way even numbers are possible (and c.f. "blazed grating").
                                – Andrew Steane
                                7 hours ago















                              up vote
                              4
                              down vote













                              Notice that if it is strictly a double slit experiment with a coherent light source then there will always be a central bright fringe where the path difference between the waves is zero(which is that, there is a point in the screen which is equidistant from the slits which lies on the perpendicular bisector of the slits). Hence the constructive interference at the center and the bright fringe.



                              Thus, as long as that center fringe exists and also as there is symmetry ofcourse between the path differences on both sides of the central bright fringe. So the other bright fringes occur in pairs (like staring from 1 wavelength path difference from each side and so on).So, the number of fringes is always $1+2n$ (Where 1 is for the central bright fringe). Hence an odd number of bright fringes.






                              share|cite|improve this answer





















                              • I had doubts about it cause I read this question "In YDSE, what should be the width of each slit to obtain 20 maxima of the double slit pattern within the central maximum of the single slit pattern? (d=1mm)" The solution was like this Distance between the slits = d = 1 mm Path difference = a sinθ ≅ aθ = λ ⇒ θ = λ /a Width of central maximum of the single slit = 2 λ/a Width of the 20 maxima = 20 x fringe spacing = 20 x λ/d Width of central maximum of the single slit = Width of the 20 maxima of double slit 2 λ/a= 20 x λ/d a = d/10 = 0.1 mm So how is that possible?
                                – Learnero
                                8 hours ago










                              • What I think the question meant is there are 20 Maxima apart from the central maxima. Hence you can say there are 10 Maxima on each side of the central fringe.
                                – Tausif Hossain
                                8 hours ago










                              • Thank you Tausif
                                – Learnero
                                8 hours ago










                              • You’re welcome. If you think the answer is satisfactory please accept it by clicking the “tick” icon.
                                – Tausif Hossain
                                8 hours ago






                              • 2




                                This ans. is correct for standard arrangement. You might find it interesting that you can also shift the fringe pattern by more than you shift the envelope, by putting a thin piece of glass over the slits, slightly thicker at one slit than the other. In this way even numbers are possible (and c.f. "blazed grating").
                                – Andrew Steane
                                7 hours ago













                              up vote
                              4
                              down vote










                              up vote
                              4
                              down vote









                              Notice that if it is strictly a double slit experiment with a coherent light source then there will always be a central bright fringe where the path difference between the waves is zero(which is that, there is a point in the screen which is equidistant from the slits which lies on the perpendicular bisector of the slits). Hence the constructive interference at the center and the bright fringe.



                              Thus, as long as that center fringe exists and also as there is symmetry ofcourse between the path differences on both sides of the central bright fringe. So the other bright fringes occur in pairs (like staring from 1 wavelength path difference from each side and so on).So, the number of fringes is always $1+2n$ (Where 1 is for the central bright fringe). Hence an odd number of bright fringes.






                              share|cite|improve this answer












                              Notice that if it is strictly a double slit experiment with a coherent light source then there will always be a central bright fringe where the path difference between the waves is zero(which is that, there is a point in the screen which is equidistant from the slits which lies on the perpendicular bisector of the slits). Hence the constructive interference at the center and the bright fringe.



                              Thus, as long as that center fringe exists and also as there is symmetry ofcourse between the path differences on both sides of the central bright fringe. So the other bright fringes occur in pairs (like staring from 1 wavelength path difference from each side and so on).So, the number of fringes is always $1+2n$ (Where 1 is for the central bright fringe). Hence an odd number of bright fringes.







                              share|cite|improve this answer












                              share|cite|improve this answer



                              share|cite|improve this answer










                              answered 8 hours ago









                              Tausif Hossain

                              2,5562618




                              2,5562618












                              • I had doubts about it cause I read this question "In YDSE, what should be the width of each slit to obtain 20 maxima of the double slit pattern within the central maximum of the single slit pattern? (d=1mm)" The solution was like this Distance between the slits = d = 1 mm Path difference = a sinθ ≅ aθ = λ ⇒ θ = λ /a Width of central maximum of the single slit = 2 λ/a Width of the 20 maxima = 20 x fringe spacing = 20 x λ/d Width of central maximum of the single slit = Width of the 20 maxima of double slit 2 λ/a= 20 x λ/d a = d/10 = 0.1 mm So how is that possible?
                                – Learnero
                                8 hours ago










                              • What I think the question meant is there are 20 Maxima apart from the central maxima. Hence you can say there are 10 Maxima on each side of the central fringe.
                                – Tausif Hossain
                                8 hours ago










                              • Thank you Tausif
                                – Learnero
                                8 hours ago










                              • You’re welcome. If you think the answer is satisfactory please accept it by clicking the “tick” icon.
                                – Tausif Hossain
                                8 hours ago






                              • 2




                                This ans. is correct for standard arrangement. You might find it interesting that you can also shift the fringe pattern by more than you shift the envelope, by putting a thin piece of glass over the slits, slightly thicker at one slit than the other. In this way even numbers are possible (and c.f. "blazed grating").
                                – Andrew Steane
                                7 hours ago


















                              • I had doubts about it cause I read this question "In YDSE, what should be the width of each slit to obtain 20 maxima of the double slit pattern within the central maximum of the single slit pattern? (d=1mm)" The solution was like this Distance between the slits = d = 1 mm Path difference = a sinθ ≅ aθ = λ ⇒ θ = λ /a Width of central maximum of the single slit = 2 λ/a Width of the 20 maxima = 20 x fringe spacing = 20 x λ/d Width of central maximum of the single slit = Width of the 20 maxima of double slit 2 λ/a= 20 x λ/d a = d/10 = 0.1 mm So how is that possible?
                                – Learnero
                                8 hours ago










                              • What I think the question meant is there are 20 Maxima apart from the central maxima. Hence you can say there are 10 Maxima on each side of the central fringe.
                                – Tausif Hossain
                                8 hours ago










                              • Thank you Tausif
                                – Learnero
                                8 hours ago










                              • You’re welcome. If you think the answer is satisfactory please accept it by clicking the “tick” icon.
                                – Tausif Hossain
                                8 hours ago






                              • 2




                                This ans. is correct for standard arrangement. You might find it interesting that you can also shift the fringe pattern by more than you shift the envelope, by putting a thin piece of glass over the slits, slightly thicker at one slit than the other. In this way even numbers are possible (and c.f. "blazed grating").
                                – Andrew Steane
                                7 hours ago
















                              I had doubts about it cause I read this question "In YDSE, what should be the width of each slit to obtain 20 maxima of the double slit pattern within the central maximum of the single slit pattern? (d=1mm)" The solution was like this Distance between the slits = d = 1 mm Path difference = a sinθ ≅ aθ = λ ⇒ θ = λ /a Width of central maximum of the single slit = 2 λ/a Width of the 20 maxima = 20 x fringe spacing = 20 x λ/d Width of central maximum of the single slit = Width of the 20 maxima of double slit 2 λ/a= 20 x λ/d a = d/10 = 0.1 mm So how is that possible?
                              – Learnero
                              8 hours ago




                              I had doubts about it cause I read this question "In YDSE, what should be the width of each slit to obtain 20 maxima of the double slit pattern within the central maximum of the single slit pattern? (d=1mm)" The solution was like this Distance between the slits = d = 1 mm Path difference = a sinθ ≅ aθ = λ ⇒ θ = λ /a Width of central maximum of the single slit = 2 λ/a Width of the 20 maxima = 20 x fringe spacing = 20 x λ/d Width of central maximum of the single slit = Width of the 20 maxima of double slit 2 λ/a= 20 x λ/d a = d/10 = 0.1 mm So how is that possible?
                              – Learnero
                              8 hours ago












                              What I think the question meant is there are 20 Maxima apart from the central maxima. Hence you can say there are 10 Maxima on each side of the central fringe.
                              – Tausif Hossain
                              8 hours ago




                              What I think the question meant is there are 20 Maxima apart from the central maxima. Hence you can say there are 10 Maxima on each side of the central fringe.
                              – Tausif Hossain
                              8 hours ago












                              Thank you Tausif
                              – Learnero
                              8 hours ago




                              Thank you Tausif
                              – Learnero
                              8 hours ago












                              You’re welcome. If you think the answer is satisfactory please accept it by clicking the “tick” icon.
                              – Tausif Hossain
                              8 hours ago




                              You’re welcome. If you think the answer is satisfactory please accept it by clicking the “tick” icon.
                              – Tausif Hossain
                              8 hours ago




                              2




                              2




                              This ans. is correct for standard arrangement. You might find it interesting that you can also shift the fringe pattern by more than you shift the envelope, by putting a thin piece of glass over the slits, slightly thicker at one slit than the other. In this way even numbers are possible (and c.f. "blazed grating").
                              – Andrew Steane
                              7 hours ago




                              This ans. is correct for standard arrangement. You might find it interesting that you can also shift the fringe pattern by more than you shift the envelope, by putting a thin piece of glass over the slits, slightly thicker at one slit than the other. In this way even numbers are possible (and c.f. "blazed grating").
                              – Andrew Steane
                              7 hours ago


















                               

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