A system for recording and analyzing optical diffraction patterns using a self‐scanning photodiode array interfaced to a popular microcomputer is described. The detector array consists of 128 photodiodes on 25‐μm centers and is sensitive to light in the visible portion of the spectrum. Details of the interface between the array and an Apple II microcomputer are given. The overall performance of the system is demonstrated for Fresnel diffraction by a single slit.

Topics
Fresnel diffraction, Detector arrays, Photodiode arrays, Microcomputers
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© 1987 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1987
American Association of Physics Teachers
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