Diffraction and Interference of Light: Experimental Investigation Using Single- and Double-Slit Setups

This technical report presents an experimental study of the wave nature of light through single-slit and double-slit diffraction and interference experiments. Using a coherent diode laser and computer-based intensity measurements, diffraction and interference patterns were recorded and analyzed quantitatively. The positions of intensity minima and maxima were compared against theoretical predictions derived from Huygens’ principle and interference theory. Slit widths and separations were estimated from linear fits to the measured data, and sources of experimental uncertainty were evaluated.The report was prepared as part of undergraduate physics laboratory coursework at Aalto University.