Dissemination of IT for the Promotion of Materials Science (DoITPoMS)

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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

\[s = \frac{{\lambda L}}{x}\]

Diffraction patterns from slits of different widths

Diffraction patterns from slits of different widths. (Click on image to view a larger version.)

More complicated masks, for example a periodic row of apertures, will show more intricate diffraction patterns, but still follow the same basic inverse relationship.

Diagram of mask consisting of periodic row of apertures and resulting diffraction pattern

Photograph of diffraction grating consisting of periodic row of apertures

Mask consisting of periodic row of apertures

Diffraction pattern for periodic row of apertures