Diffraction intensity at a slit and at a wire – Babinet’s theorem

An aperture consisting of a single slit and a complementary strip (wire) is illuminated with a laser beam. The corresponding diffraction patterns are measured according to position and intensity with a photocell which can be shifted.

  • surprisingly a slit and a wire show basically the same diffraction pattern
  • measurements prove a theorem that sounds awkward at first glance
  • sturdy setup allows good reproducability of results

Object holder, 5×5 cm
Laser, He-Ne, 0.2/1.0 mW, 230 V AC
Optical bench expert, l = 1500 mm
Base for optical bench expert, adjustable
Slide mount for optical bench expert, h = 30 mm
Screen, with diffracting elements
Sliding device, horizontal
Si-Photodetector with Amplifier
Control Unit for Si-Photodetector
Digital multimeter 2005
Connecting cord, 32 A, 750 mm, red
Connecting cord, 32 A, 750 mm, blue
Adapter, BNC-plug/socket 4 mm

  1. Determination of the intensity distribution of the diffraction patterns due to a slit and complementary strip (wire).
  2. Determination of the intensity relations of the diffraction pattern peaks for the single slit.
  3. Babinet’s theorem is discussed using the diffraction patterns of the slit and the complementary strip.
  • Huygens’ principle
  • Interference
  • Fraunhofer und Fresnel diffraction
  • Babinet’s theorem
  • Poissons’ spot
  • Coherence
  • Laser

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Product number

P2230600

Diffraction intensity at a slit and at a wire - Babinet's theorem

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