Re: [Phys-L] Lower limit for a slit width?

[Carl Mungan <mungan@usna.edu>]

>  is there a lower limit for a slit width, say, in terms of 
> wavelenght for seeing a diffraction pattern?

If the slit width a is smaller than the wavelength lambda, then you 
don't really see much of a diffraction pattern, because there are no 
minima on the screen. So all you see is a portion of the central 
maximum:

sin(theta)=m*lambda/a exceeds 1 for any (positive) integer m if lambda > a

--
Carl E Mungan, Assoc Prof of Physics  410-293-6680 (O) -3729 (F)
Naval Academy Stop 9c, 572C Holloway Rd, Annapolis MD 21402-1363
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