15.3 Solutions 753
missing order. Thus, a missing order is realized for an angle θ for which
the following two equations are simultaneously satisfied:
d sin θ = mλ(m = 1, 2, 3 ...) (1)
a sin θ = nλ(n = 1, 2, 3 ...) (2)
Dividing (1) by (2)
d
a
=
m
n
(3)
Since m and n are both integers, missing orders will occur when d/a is
in the ratio of two integers. Expressing d as the sum of the slit width a
and the opaque space b between consecutive slits, that is
d = a + b (4)
(3) an be written as
a + b
a
=
m
n
(5)
In particular, if
a+b
a
= 1, b = 0. In this case t he first-order spectrum
will be absent and the resultant diffraction pattern will be similar to that
of a single slit.
If
a+b
a
= 2, a = b, that is the width of the slit is equal to the width of
the opaque space. Here the second-order spectrum will be absent.
(b)
a + b
a
=
m
n
0.16 + 0.8
0.16
= 6 =
m
n
The above relation is satisfied for
n = 1, 2, 3,...
m = 6, 12, 18,...
Thus the order 6, 12, 18, etc. of the interference maxima will be missing,
in the diffraction pattern.
15.47 The central diffraction peak is limited by the first minima. The angular loca-
tions of these minima are given by
a sin θ = λ(∵ m = 1) (1)