Do I need to install anything?

No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.

For Students · Diffraction Grating

Diffraction Grating for a laser pointer

Built for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition. Simulate a laser pointer live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Diffraction GratingLive

N-slit interference

Controls

More slits make the bright maxima sharper and brighter — the principle behind spectrometers that split light into precise spectral lines.

Presets

Number of slits

Slit spacing

Wavelength

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Slits5

Resolution∝ N

Maxima atd·sinθ = mλ

Governing equation

d sin θ = mλ : 30 sin θ = m \cdot 20, θ_{1} = 41. 8^{\circ}

Reading this result: The bright maxima stay locked where d·sinθ = mλ — fixed by spacing and wavelength, not slit count — but with 5 slits each principal peak is about 5× narrower and far more intense, which is how a grating resolves fine spectral lines.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

or unlock everything with Pro →

Also for:Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students First Responders General version →

More with Diffraction Grating

Diffraction Grating for a camera lens Diffraction Grating for a laser beam Diffraction Grating for a fiber-optic cable Diffraction Grating for a microscope Diffraction Grating for a telescope Diffraction Grating for a prism Diffraction Grating for a rainbow Diffraction Grating for a hologram

Frequently asked questions

Is this good for students?: Yes — this version of "Diffraction Grating for a laser pointer" is framed for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.