diffractioputki

A diffractioputki, meaning diffraction tube in Finnish, is a simple optical device used to observe diffraction patterns. It typically consists of a tube with a diffraction grating placed at one end. When light from a distant source, such as a fluorescent lamp or a sodium vapor lamp, enters the other end of the tube, it passes through the diffraction grating. The grating splits the light into its constituent wavelengths, creating a spectrum that can be viewed at the end of the tube.

The diffraction grating is a surface with many closely spaced parallel lines or slits. As light waves pass through these openings, they interfere with each other. Constructive interference occurs at specific angles, depending on the wavelength of the light and the spacing of the grating lines, resulting in the formation of distinct spectral lines.

Diffractioputkis are often used in educational settings to demonstrate the principles of diffraction and spectroscopy. By observing the spectral patterns produced by different light sources, one can learn about the composition of those sources. For example, a fluorescent lamp will produce a continuous spectrum with some bright, distinct lines superimposed, indicating the presence of specific elements within the lamp's gas. Similarly, a sodium vapor lamp will show a characteristic bright yellow line. The device provides a direct and accessible way to visualize the wave nature of light and the concept of spectral analysis.