Double Slit - Physical Model

December 15, 2024
Description
I have always wondered if something that I had seen in simulations and animations could be made as a physical model that students could interact with and investigate.
This model sweeps out a pattern made by two coherent waves as they “interact” with each other with constructive and destructive interference. While the full amplification of constructive interference isn't completely represented with this design, it is still clear where the the “bright and dark spots" would appear as a result of the interactions.
Printing notes:
- The pin is printed separately so that the layers are going up and down - preventing this from shearing off with too much force
- The waveforms can be a challenging print but can be successful with plenty of skirt added. If the print still fails, a solid wave model has been included that should print easier.
- The double slit model can be printed with or without the wall as desired
- The double slit model plate prints a little nicer with a 0.16 layer height
- Color gradient silk shows the amplitude changes the best in the double slit model plate