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  1. Diffraction - Wikipedia

    The effects of diffraction of light were first carefully observed and characterized by Francesco Maria Grimaldi, who also coined the term diffraction, from the Latin diffringere, 'to break into …

  2. Diffraction | Definition, Examples, Types, & Facts | Britannica

    Diffraction, the spreading of waves around obstacles. Diffraction takes place with sound; with electromagnetic radiation, such as light, X-rays, and gamma rays; and with very small moving …

  3. Diffraction of Light - Olympus

    Diffraction describes a specialized case of light scattering in which an object with regularly repeating features (such as a diffraction grating) produces an orderly diffraction of light in a …

  4. What is diffraction in physics? - California Learning Resource …

    Jul 2, 2025 · Fraunhofer diffraction is commonly observed in applications involving lenses and telescopes, where focusing elements effectively bring the observation point to infinity. The …

  5. 17.1 Understanding Diffraction and Interference - OpenStax

    The bending of a wave around the edges of an opening or an obstacle is called diffraction. Diffraction is a wave characteristic that occurs for all types of waves. If diffraction is observed …

  6. Diffraction: Definition, Physics, Equation, and Formula

    Nov 17, 2022 · Diffraction is the bending or spreading of light waves around an obstacle. The obstacle can be an aperture or slit whose size is approximately the same as the wavelength of …

  7. 4: Diffraction - Physics LibreTexts

    Diffraction can send a wave around the edges of an opening or other obstacle. A single slit produces an interference pattern characterized by a broad central maximum with narrower and …

  8. Diffraction Explained: Definition, Examples, Practice & Video …

    Diffraction is the phenomenon where light waves spread out after passing through a small slit or around an obstacle. It occurs when the width of the slit is comparable to or smaller than the …

  9. Diffraction - Math is Fun

    Diffraction is when waves bend around the corner of an obstacle. ... It is most easily seen when a wave spreads out after passing through a gap.

  10. Diffraction – Fraunhofer, Fresnel, diffractive optics, interference ...

    What is Diffraction? Diffraction is a general term for phenomena which can occur when light waves (or other waves) encounter certain structures. Some typical examples of diffraction …