6A30.10 • Laser Beam Patterns
Photo shows the demonstration used at the University of Texas at Austin.
Concept Conveyed
- This experiment demonstrates the diffraction and interference patterns created when a laser beam passes through different optical apertures.
- Each optical slide piece (aperture), labeled by a color, denotes its specific internal geometry (such as single slits or cross-gratings).
- The pieces bend light from the laser to produce distinct geometric patterns on a screen.
- Different geometric patterns are produced based on the number, shape, and alignment of slits in the different apertures.
Instructions/Notes
- Attach the different aperture masks in front of the laser. Make note of the color labeling on them and the corresponding patterns they produce on a screen in a dark room. Move the laser closer or farther and also rotate to see how the patterns change.
- Put all the aperture masks and the laser in the black box once the demonstration is done.
- The images above demonstrate the patterns displayed by the different color labeled aperture masks.
Demo Staff:
- There is a reference sheet kept with the demo for the professor to refer to so make sure to give that with the model.
Last updated on March 12, 2026