Definition

1. Noun:
   • A physical phenomenon: The process by which a wave of light, sound, or other energy spreads out and bends when it passes through an opening or around the edge of an obstacle.
   • A defining characteristic: This bending and interference effect is a fundamental property of waves and is most noticeable when the wave encounters an obstacle or slit that is comparable in size to its wavelength.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The diffraction of light through a narrow slit creates a pattern of bright and dark bands on the screen.
  • Scientists use X-ray diffraction to determine the atomic structure of crystals.
  • The colorful patterns on a CD are caused by the diffraction of light from its closely spaced tracks.

Advanced Usage

• "Diffraction grating": A surface with many parallel, closely spaced slits or grooves, used to separate light into its component wavelengths (colors).
  • A diffraction grating produces a much sharper spectrum than a simple prism.
• "Diffraction limit": In optics, the fundamental limit on the resolution of a perfect lens, imposed by the wave nature of light.
  • Even the best telescope cannot see details smaller than its diffraction limit.

Variants and Related Words

• Diffract (verb): To cause (a wave) to undergo diffraction.
  • The sound waves were diffracted around the corner of the building.
• Diffractive (adjective): Of or relating to diffraction.
  • The device uses a diffractive optical element to focus the laser beam.

Synonyms

• Bending (of waves)
• Spreading (of waves)

Related Phrases

• Electron diffraction: A technique where a beam of electrons is diffracted by a crystal to reveal its structure.
  • Electron diffraction confirmed the material had a hexagonal lattice.
• Fraunhofer diffraction: A specific type of diffraction pattern observed at a large distance from the diffracting object.
• Fresnel diffraction: A diffraction pattern observed at a relatively short distance from the diffracting object.

Noun

1. when light passes sharp edges or goes through narrow slits the rays are deflected and produce fringes of light and dark bands