Lab report # 01

To study the wavelength of light by using diffraction grating

Submitted to: Aqsa Waqar

Submitted by: M. Ameer Hamza

Roll number: 22014110-044

Course title: Optics lab

Course code: PHYS-207

Program / semester: Bs Physics 4 (C)

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Table of Contents
Title:......................................................................................................................3

Abstract:................................................................................................................3

Introduction:.........................................................................................................3

Material:................................................................................................................4

Procedure:.............................................................................................................5

calculations:..........................................................................................................5

Result and Discussion:..........................................................................................6

Conclusion:...........................................................................................................6

Precautions:...........................................................................................................7

References:...........................................................................................................7

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Title:
To study the wavelength of light by using diffraction grating.

Abstract:
This experiment aimed to determine the wavelength of light using a diffraction grating. By
measuring the angles of diffraction for various diffraction orders, the wavelength of the
incident light was calculated using the grating equation. A stable setup was employed, and
measurements were taken using a protractor or goniometer. The results confirmed the validity
of the experimental approach, demonstrating the utility of diffraction gratings in spectroscopy
and wavelength determination.

Introduction:
Light is an electromagnetic wave, like a radio wave, but very high frequency and very short
wavelength. Diffraction is the slight bending of light as it passes around the edge of an object.
The amount of bending depends on the relative size of the wavelength of light to the size of
the opening. If the opening is much larger than the light's wavelength, the bending will be
almost unnoticeable. Different colours of light have different wavelengths. The eye can detect
wavelengths ranging from about 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red). The word “diffraction”
refers to the spreading out of waves after passing through a small opening. Diffraction effects
are important when the size of the opening is comparable to or less than the wavelength. To
measure wavelengths, we need a device that can split a beam of light up into different
wavelengths. Such a device is a diffraction grating. The diffraction grating consists of a large
number of equally spaced parallel slits. A grating can be made by cutting parallel lines on a
glass plate with a precision ruling machine. In a transmission grating, the space between any
two lines is transparent to the light and hence acts as a separate slit. A grating with 100 slits

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per millimeter has a slit spacing. The gratings we will use in this lab have three windows per
slide. They are generally 100, 300, and 600 lines per millimeter. You will need to calculate
d for the 300 and 600 lines per millimeter windows.

A transmission diffraction grating consists of a very large number of equally spaced parallel
lines scratched on a transparent surface. The diffraction gratings used in this experiment are

plastic replicas of a master grating, made by pressing the plastic against the master grating,
which acts as a Mold. A diffraction grating behaves as if it were a series of slits in an opaque
screen.

A diffraction grating is made by making many parallel scratches on the surface of a flat piece
of some transparent material. It is possible to put some large number of scratches per cm on
the material. The distribution of wavelengths of light given off by a particular source is called
the spectrum of that source.

Material:
 Diffraction grating
 Spectrometer
 Laser

Procedure:
 Numbering to start the experiment we have to turn the laser on and put the direction
towards the spectrometers collimator.

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  After turning the laser light focused in the eye piece and make sure it is straight line to
be shone by one eye closed.
 By placing the diffraction grating in the middle, it will make the divides that white
light in to different colours of rainbow and we will note there valued by focusing on
one light at once e.g. red, blue, violet, green, etc.
 Then check from the main scale and vernier scale division to note their readings.
 Calculate the wavelength of laser light using the formula:

λ = d × sin ϴ

calculations:
main sclae reading 1 60
least count = = (in degrees) = (in minutes) = 1minute
vernier scale reading 60 60

N = 600

1 1
d= =
N 600 ×10−3

sin ϴ(a+b)
λ= n=2
n

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a = main scale reading + vernier scale reading × least count

= 211 + 20×1min = 231

b = 59 +30 ×1 min = 89

231−89
ϴ= = 71 degree
2

−3
0.0016 ×10 sin 71
λ=
2

λ = 789nm

Result and Discussion:

The accuracy of the results depended on several factors, including the precision of angle
measurements, the quality of the diffraction grating, and the stability of the experimental
setup. Systematic errors such as instrumental error or misalignment could affect the
calculated values.

Comparing the calculated wavelength values for different diffraction orders allowed for the
validation of the experimental results. Typically, the measured wavelengths should remain
consistent across various diffraction orders, providing confidence in the accuracy of the
measurements.

Furthermore, the experiment showcased the utility of diffraction gratings in spectroscopy and
wavelength determination. Diffraction gratings are widely used in various scientific and
technological applications, including spectrometers, optical communication systems, and
laser technologies. So the value of wavelength will be λ = 789nm

Conclusion:
the experiment successfully demonstrated the determination of the wavelength of light using
a diffraction grating. Through careful observation and analysis of the diffraction pattern,

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along with accurate angle measurements, the wavelength of the incident light was reliably
calculated, illustrating the fundamental principles of wave optics and diffraction phenomena.

Precautions:
 Stable Setup: Ensure that the diffraction grating, light source, and screen are securely
mounted to prevent any vibrations or movements during the experiment, which could
affect the accuracy of angle measurements.
 Alignment: Carefully align the components of the experimental setup to ensure that
the incident light falls perpendicular to the diffraction grating. Misalignment can lead
to distorted diffraction patterns and inaccurate angle measurements.
 Light Source Stability: Use a stable and monochromatic light source to ensure
consistent results. Any fluctuations or variations in the intensity or wavelength of the
light can impact the diffraction pattern and the accuracy of wavelength determination.
 Precision in Angle Measurements: Use accurate measuring instruments such as a
protractor or goniometer to measure the angles of diffraction. Take multiple
measurements and calculate the average to minimize errors resulting from imprecise
angle readings.
 Avoid Obstructions: Ensure that there are no obstructions between the light source,
diffraction grating, and screen, as they can interfere with the diffraction pattern
formation and obscure the measurement of diffraction angles.

References:
https://www.google.com/search?
sca_esv=79ced4a93b7e85b0&sca_upv=1&hl=en&sxsrf=ACQVn0-kgvKK-i-
8GObLE3eFEi4z

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufpPxzbiRlU&t=357s

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