How do I simulate a diffraction grating?

Open this page and use the live Single-Slit Diffraction tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.

Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.

Can I use my own numbers?

Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a diffraction grating from your own measurements.

Use case · powered by Single-Slit Diffraction

Single-Slit Diffraction for a diffraction grating

Simulate a diffraction grating live in your browser. This runs the real Single-Slit Diffraction solver — adjust the inputs, watch it respond instantly, and export the result. No install, no account.

For:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students First Responders

Single-Slit DiffractionLive

light bending around edges

Controls

Presets

Slit width (µm)

Wavelength (nm)

Send light through a narrow slit and it fans out into a bright central band flanked by dimmer fringes — diffraction. The pattern follows a sinc-squared curve, with the first dark fringe where the path difference across the slit equals one wavelength. Narrower slits spread the light more, the diffraction limit that caps every lens and telescope's sharpness.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

First minimum1.6°

Central width3.2°

Slit/λ36.4

Governing equation

I = I_{0} sinc^{2} β, β = \frac{π a sin θ}{λ}, a = 20 μ m, λ = 550 nm

Reading this result: Wide slit relative to the wavelength: the central peak is tight and the beam stays nearly collimated, with only faint fringes.

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

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About this simulation

The full Single-Slit Diffraction tool models a diffraction grating with the same numerics engineers and scientists use — running entirely client-side. Change any parameter and the result updates in real time, so you can build intuition, check a design, or teach the concept without spreadsheets or installs.

More you can do with Single-Slit Diffraction

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

Other ways to simulate a diffraction grating

Snell's Law for a diffraction grating Diffraction Grating for a diffraction grating Curved Mirrors for a diffraction grating Prism Dispersion for a diffraction grating Laser Cavity for a diffraction grating Fiber Optics for a diffraction grating

Frequently asked questions

How do I simulate a diffraction grating?: Open this page and use the live Single-Slit Diffraction tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.
Is it free?: Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.
Can I use my own numbers?: Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a diffraction grating from your own measurements.