OPTICS ANIMATION / SIMULATION: Double-Slit Experiment

Animation of the principle of Thomas Young's classic double-slit experiment. Waves hit a screen with two gaps. The gaps act as new wave sources, creating two sets of circular waves radiating outwards. These two new waves create an interference pattern as they superimpose. The waves sum together producing higher peaks and deeper troughs at some points (constructive interference), whilst cancelling each other out at other points (destructive interference). The double-slit experiment raises all sorts of issues at the quantum level, especially when individual photons pass through the slits at different times (but still interfere with each other).

​Circular light waves strike a barrier with two slits. These holes act as new wave sources and these two new sets of waves interfere. Flat (orthographic) view.