In a double-slit interference pattern, it is the amplitudes of the light waves f

Question

In a double-slit interference pattern, it is the amplitudes of the light waves from each slit that add, not the light intensities. Usually, in the analysis of interference patterns, the radiation intensity (or amplitude) is assumed to be exactly the same for both slits. Because of inaccurate optical alignment, however, the illumination is often not the same for the two slits. If the in-tensity of light going through one slit is 0.010 mW/mm^2 while the intensity going through the second slit is 0.030 mW/mm^2, what is the intensity at an interference maximum and at an interference minimum?

Explanation / Answer

Maximum intensity

Imax = I1 + I2 ( for incoherent sources )

Imax = 0.01+0.03 = 0.04m W/mm^2

Minimum intensity

Imin = I2-I1 = 0.03-0.01

Imin = 0.02 mW/mm^2

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