Single slit Fraunhofer diffraction experiment using a CCD camera

Abstract

We present a method for observing the Fraunhofer diffraction by a single slit, in which a charge coupled device (CCD) camera is used to record the diffraction patterns. Measurements are done by using software to analyze the recorded images. A comparison between the experimental results and theoretical predictions is also presented. This method looks highly suitable for use in the undergraduate physics laboratory.