Light diffraction experiment using fully automated data collection by Arduino

Abstract

During the correction of reports on Young's experiment, from three classes of undergraduate physics students, it was observed that systematically the errors related to the measurements were concentrated in the measurements between the diffraction fringes. These measures are always susceptible to the sensitivity of the human eye, requiring some experience and care. This article describes an experimental, low-cost methodological alternative to perform the diffraction experiment, automated with Arduino. The methodology allowed us not only to calculate the thickness of a hair, with an estimated error of 3%, but also to graphically visualize the distribution of luminous intensity by means of graphs throughout the diffraction spectrum, something impossible without the resource used.

Keywords:
Diffraction; Young's experiment; Arduino; Physics Teaching