If the two slits in a double-slit experiment have different widths, it would result in an asymmetric pattern on the screen. The specific details of the pattern would depend on the relative widths of the two slits.
In a typical double-slit experiment with two identical slits, an interference pattern of alternating bright and dark fringes is observed on the screen. This pattern arises due to the constructive and destructive interference of the overlapping waves from the two slits. The fringes are equidistant and symmetrically distributed on both sides of the central bright fringe.
If the two slits have different widths, several changes can occur:
Intensity: The overall intensity of the pattern may be affected. The wider slit tends to allow more light to pass through, resulting in a higher intensity in that region of the pattern compared to the narrower slit.
Fringe spacing: The spacing between the fringes might be affected. Typically, the fringe spacing in a double-slit experiment is determined by the wavelength of the light and the separation between the slits. If the widths of the slits are significantly different, it can lead to a modification of the fringe spacing.
Fringe location: The location of the fringes may be shifted or asymmetrically distributed. The relative width of the slits can influence the relative strengths of the interference patterns produced by each slit. As a result, the fringes may not be centered around the central bright fringe, but rather skewed towards the wider slit.
It's important to note that the precise details of the pattern in such a scenario would depend on the specific widths of the slits, the wavelength of the light, and the distances involved. The effects of different slit widths in a double-slit experiment can be explored through experimentation or by using mathematical models that consider the wave nature of light and the principles of interference.