A PYTHON SIMULATION PLATFORM FOR YOUNG'S DOUBLE-SLIT INTERFERENCE AND DOUBLE-SLIT DIFFRACTION

Based on Python libraries such as Matplotlib, Numpy, and PyQt5, this paper designs and develops a simulation platform for the Young's double-slit interference and double-slit diffraction experiments. The simulation platform can dynamically display the optical paths, spectra, and intensity variations corresponding to double-slit interference and diffraction in real time by adjusting experimental parameters such as wavelength, slit width, slit separation, screen distance, and medium refractive index. Additionally, the double-slit interference project discusses the color spectrum formed by trichromatic light as the light source, while the double-slit diffraction project features a discussion on the missing-order phenomenon. The platform also embeds animations of the double-slit interference optical path principle made with GeoGebra and a 3D animation of the double-slit diffraction experiment made with SolidWorks, vividly illustrating the mechanisms of double-slit interference and the experimental process of double-slit diffraction. This simulation platform helps students understand abstract optical theories and formulas, analyze the differences and connections between double-slit interference and diffraction, and serves as an effective auxiliary tool for both theoretical and experimental teaching in wave optics.