In multiple slit diffraction each slit contributes in diffraction phenomenon or only a single slit contributes in diffraction and all n contribute in interference?

Cindy Noble

Cindy Noble

Answered question

2022-09-30

In multiple slit diffraction each slit contributes in diffraction phenomenon or only a single slit contributes in diffraction and all n contribute in interference?

Answer & Explanation

Shane Middleton

Shane Middleton

Beginner2022-10-01Added 7 answers

Diffraction is the interference of light from extended continuous sources. So in a single slit, each point is modelled as a source and the interference of all such points are the diffraction effects we see.
In a multiple slit setup, the interference between different slits will be superimposed over the diffraction patterns of each slit. So every slit contributes to interference, and within each slit diffraction effects take place.
Keep in mind all the waves from the point sources of different slits are interfering. So taking a reductionist approach: diffraction is interference. However it is easier to model multiple slits as considering the diffraction of each individual slit and then superposing the interference between the different slits.

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