Simulating Interference and Diffraction in Instructional Laboratories

TL;DR

This paper presents an interactive simulation tool using FDTD to teach interference and diffraction, enabling students to visualize and measure effects effectively, improving learning outcomes in physics labs.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel computer simulation program for interference and diffraction, enhancing instructional methods and student understanding in physics laboratories.

Findings

Students performed well on quizzes after using the simulation.

The software allowed easy control and visualization of wave effects.

Simulation data collection improved student engagement and comprehension.

Abstract

Studies have shown that standard lectures and instructional laboratory experiments are not effective at teaching interference and diffraction. In response, the author created an interactive computer program that simulates interference and diffraction effects using the Finite Difference Time Domain method. The software allows students to easily control, visualize, and quantitatively measure the effects. Students collected data from simulations as part of their laboratory exercise, and they performed well on a subsequent quiz---showing promise for this approach.