Diffraction and Imaging
AimsBefore you startIntroductionDiffraction patterns 1Diffraction patterns 2Two-dimensional diffractionImage formationInformation obtained from diffraction patternApplications of the theory of optical diffraction and imagingSummaryQuestionsGoing furtherTLP creditsTLP contentsShow all contentViewing and downloading resourcesAbout the TLPsTerms of useFeedbackCredits Print this page
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Diffraction patterns 2
By considering diffraction from a grating, the reciprocal nature of the pattern can be derived. This relationship can be seen in the diffraction patterns of the slits: small features of the diffracting object give wide spacings in the diffraction pattern
\[s = \frac{{\lambda L}}{x}\]
More complicated masks, for example a periodic row of apertures, will show more intricate diffraction patterns, but still follow the same basic inverse relationship.