Grating Diffraction Calculator
Calculate diffraction angles, angular dispersion, resolving power, and free spectral range for diffraction gratings using the grating equation.
A diffraction grating separates light into its component wavelengths by exploiting constructive interference at specific angles. The grating equation mλ = d(sin θᵢ + sin θₘ) relates groove spacing d, incidence angle θᵢ, diffraction order m, and diffraction angle θₘ. This calculator solves the grating equation for diffraction angles across a wavelength range, computes angular dispersion (dθ/dλ), theoretical resolving power (R = mN, where N is the number of illuminated grooves), and free spectral range (the wavelength interval before adjacent orders overlap). Useful for spectrometer design, monochromator alignment, and pulse compressor/stretcher layout in ultrafast laser systems.
Advanced Options
| Order (m) | Angle β (°) |
|---|---|
| -2 | -49.41 |
| -1 | -22.31 |
| 0 | 0 |
| +1 | 22.31 |
| +2 | 49.41 |