Notes on Diffraction
1. Introduction
Diffraction is the phenomenon in which light bends around the edges of an obstacle or
aperture and spreads into the geometrical shadow region.
It cannot be explained by geometrical optics but is well explained by Huygens’ wave
theory.
More prominent when the size of the obstacle/aperture is comparable to the wavelength
of light.
2. Types of Diffraction
(a) Fresnel Diffraction
Source of light and screen are at a finite distance from the diffracting obstacle/aperture.
Wavefronts are spherical.
Example: Diffraction at a straight edge, narrow slit.
(b) Fraunhofer Diffraction
Source and screen are effectively at infinity (made possible using convex lenses).
Wavefronts are plane.
Example: Diffraction at a single slit, double slit, diffraction grating.
Easier to analyze mathematically compared to Fresnel diffraction.
3. Single-Slit Fraunhofer Diffraction
(a) Experimental Setup
A monochromatic source is placed at the focal point of a convex lens to produce parallel
rays.
Light passes through a narrow slit and is focused by another convex lens on the screen.
A central bright fringe with alternating dark and bright fringes is observed.
(b) Condition for Minima
Destructive interference occurs at:
asinθ=nλ(n=±1,±2,±3,...)a \sin \theta = n\lambda \quad (n = \pm1, \pm2, \
pm3,...)asinθ=nλ(n=±1,±2,±3,...)
Where:
aaa = slit width
λ\lambdaλ = wavelength of light
θ\thetaθ = diffraction angle
(c) Position of Minima on Screen
x=nλDax = \frac{n\lambda D}{a}x=anλD
Where:
DDD = distance between slit and screen
xxx = distance of nth minima from central maximum
(d) Characteristics
Central maximum is brightest and widest (twice the width of secondary maxima).
Intensity decreases rapidly for successive maxima.
4. Diffraction Grating
A diffraction grating consists of a large number of parallel, equally spaced slits.
Each slit produces diffraction, and the waves interfere to form sharp patterns.
(a) Grating Equation
dsinθ=nλd \sin \theta = n\lambdadsinθ=nλ
Where:
ddd = grating element (distance between adjacent slits)
nnn = order of diffraction
θ\thetaθ = diffraction angle
(b) Applications
Used to measure wavelength of light precisely.
Used in spectroscopy for separating light into its spectral components.
5. Fresnel Diffraction Examples
1. Diffraction at a straight edge
o Alternate bright and dark bands appear near the shadow boundary.
2. Diffraction by a circular aperture
o Produces Airy disk with central bright spot surrounded by concentric rings.
3. Zone Plate
o Works on the principle of Fresnel diffraction.
o Acts like a lens by focusing light using alternate transparent and opaque zones.
6. Applications of Diffraction
Spectral analysis using diffraction gratings.
Optical instruments: Resolving power of telescope and microscope depends on
diffraction.
X-ray diffraction (Bragg’s law) used to determine crystal structures.
Communication systems: Diffraction of radio waves around obstacles enables long-
distance transmission.
Astronomy: Limiting factor in telescope resolution.
7. Everyday Life Examples
Diffraction of sound waves around doors and walls.
Diffraction of light through fine hair or sharp edges.
Diffraction patterns in CDs/DVDs due to closely spaced tracks.
8. Summary
Diffraction = bending of waves around obstacles/apertures.
Fresnel diffraction: source/screen at finite distance.
Fraunhofer diffraction: source/screen at infinity (parallel rays).
Single slit diffraction produces a broad central maximum with alternate fringes.
Diffraction grating gives sharp, well-resolved spectra.
Applications: spectroscopy, resolving power, X-ray crystallography, communication.
