- Sections
- A. General Materials & Mathematics
- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
- J. Electrostatics & Magnetostatics
- K. Electromagnetic Principles
- L. Geometrical Optics
- M. Wave Optics
- N. Spectra & Color
- O. Vision
- P. Modern Physics
M2-04. Laser Diffraction - Halo
Purpose
To demonstrate diffraction of laser light around small spheres.
Equipment
Laser with 8X collimator and glass plate with layer of lycopodium powder on laser cart.
Setup Time
5 minutes.
Description
Breathe on a glass plate and sprinkle the plate lightly with lycopodium powder to create diffraction sources for the laser light. Laser light shining around the tiny spheres of lycopodium powder is diffracted, creating a series of rings around the main spot on a distant screen. The average diameter of lycopodium powder spheres is about 4 microns. Actually, this is a GLORY, not a HALO; a halo is a refraction/dispersion phenomenon while a glory is a diffraction phenomenon.
References
David Dutton, M Parker Givens, and Robert E. Hopkins, Some Demonstration Experiments in Optics Using a Gas Laser,◙Spectra-physics Laser Technical Bulletin, (1963). ◙Paul A. Young, A Student Experiment in Fresnel Diffraction, AJP 32, 367-369, (1964). ◙David Dutton, M. Parker Givens and Robert E. Hopkins, Some Demonstration Experiments in Optics Using a Gas Laser, AJP 32,◙355-361, (1964). ◙Haven Whiteside, Laser Optics Experiments and Demonstrations, AJP 33, 487-492, (1965). ◙Roy H. Biser, Modern Methods for the Study of Optical Diffraction, TPT 7, 158-161, (1969). ◙James Mahoney, Laser Interfer
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See pagesm2. diffraction circular
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See pagesm3. interferometers
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See pagesm4. thin film interference
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See pagesm6. holograms
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See pagesm7. polarization & scattering
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See pagesm8. optical activity & birefringence
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See pagesm9. elliptical polarization
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See pagesm2. diffraction circular
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See pagesm3. interferometers
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See pagesm4. thin film interference
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See pagesm6. holograms
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See pagesm7. polarization & scattering
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See pagesm8. optical activity & birefringence
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See pagesm9. elliptical polarization