Optics: Laser and Diffraction Feature Summary

Type:
Physics in Your World
Title:
Diffraction Around a Pinhead
Description:
This photo (hi-res version) shows light diffracting around a pinhead (see experimental setup). Note the spot of light in the center of the pattern-- it's called Poisson's spot, and it shows unmistakably that light bent around the pinhead. For more on diffraction, see this Wikipedia entry.
Image:
photo credit: UMASS-Amherst Physics Lecture Support
photo credit: UMASS-Amherst Physics Lecture Support
Image URL:
http://www.compadre.org/Informal/images/features/pinheads-shadow-large--5-23.jpg
Featured:
June 1, 2007 - June 16, 2007