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I plan on trying to recreate a version of Young\'s double slit experiment for a

ID: 2049454 • Letter: I

Question

I plan on trying to recreate a version of Young's double slit experiment for a science fair. All the methods I've found for it recommend using a helium-neon laser. Would a laser pointer or some other cheaper laser work? For the slits my idea is to get a glass microscope slide, paint over it then scrape two slits off with an xacto knife.

I jut tried using a laser pointer and a thin piece of card to split the beam, but I didn't really get an interference pattern. I think this was because the beam was to large. If nybody could recommend a good laser to use for this that would be great. Also if anybody has any suggestions regarding my idea for the slits I'd welcome them, but I think aspect of it should be fine.

Explanation / Answer

I have done this myself and it works. You need to persevere with making the 2 slits....make lots and pick the best. You also nee the laser and slits to be a reasonable distance from the screen....about 1 metre. I used a red laser. It is also possible to photograp the interference patter using a digital camera. Good luck...don't give up