Diffraction Grating Calculator
Calculate diffraction angles using the grating equation: d * sin(theta) = m * lambda.
Diffraction Angle
19.26 °
Diffraction Angle vs Slit Spacing (d)
Formula
## Diffraction Grating A diffraction grating splits light into its component wavelengths at specific angles. ### Formula **d * sin(theta) = m * lambda** where d is the slit spacing, m is the diffraction order (1, 2, 3, ...), and lambda is the wavelength. The slit spacing d = 1/(lines per unit length).
Esempio Risolto
First-order diffraction of 550 nm light through a 600 lines/mm grating (d = 1667 nm).
- 01d * sin(theta) = m * lambda
- 021667 * sin(theta) = 1 * 550
- 03sin(theta) = 550/1667 = 0.3299
- 04theta = 19.26°
Domande Frequenti
What is a diffraction grating?
An optical element with many closely spaced parallel slits or grooves. It separates light by wavelength through constructive interference at specific angles.
How many orders of diffraction are possible?
The maximum order is when sin(theta) = 1, giving m_max = d/lambda (rounded down). Higher orders are at larger angles.
What is the advantage over a prism?
Gratings provide higher resolution and more uniform dispersion across wavelengths compared to prisms.
Impara