Visualize laser light diffraction
See how a laser beam splits into a beautiful diffraction pattern when it passes through a grating. Adjust the grating density, laser intensity, and wavelength to explore the physics of light.
Adjustable wavelength
Interactive simulator
Adjust the controls below to see how grating spacing, laser intensity, and wavelength affect the diffraction pattern.
2000 nm
Closer lines = wider diffraction
80%
Brighter beam = more visible pattern
650 nm
Shorter wavelength = less diffraction
Calculations
Wavelength
650 nm
Diffraction angle (1st order)
90.00°
Grating period
2000 nm
How it works
Understanding the physics of laser diffraction through a grating.
Laser emission
A laser emits coherent light in a straight beam, with an adjustable wavelength.
Grating interaction
The beam hits a diffraction grating with evenly spaced lines that scatter the light.
Constructive interference
Light waves align at specific angles, creating bright spots (diffraction orders).
Pattern projection
The diffracted beams project a pattern of bright and dark lines onto a screen.
The grating equation
The position of bright fringes is determined by:
Where d is grating spacing, θ is the diffraction angle, m is the order (0, ±1, ±2...), and λ is the wavelength.
