Quantum Physics & Matter Waves

Davisson-Germer Experiment

Simulate Clinton Davisson and Lester Germer's 1927 Nobel experiment. Accelerate an electron beam through voltage $V$ and observe de Broglie matter wave diffraction $\lambda = h/p = 1.226/\sqrt{V} \text{ nm}$ producing a sharp scattering peak at $50^\circ$ for $54 \text{ V}$.

de Broglie Wavelength λ 0.167 nm
Diffraction Angle θ 50.0°
Detector Count Peak MAXIMUM (54V)

Electron Gun Setup

Visual Overlay

Controls

de Broglie & Bragg Diffraction Equations

de Broglie Wavelength: λ = h / p = 1.226 / √V (in nm)
Bragg Condition for Surface Atoms: λ = D · sin θ (where D = 0.215 nm for Nickel)
Maximum Interference: V = 54 V, θ = 50° ⇒ λ = 0.167 nm
Developer Reference

Core Algorithm & Standalone Script

// Davisson-Germer de Broglie electron diffraction solver
const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
// lambda = 1.226 / sqrt(V) nm