Diffraction

• occurs when light is bent as it passes around objects that have approximately the same size as the wavelength of the light itself
• the "bent" waves will interact with each other producing an interference pattern ->
  • constructive interference - when a ridge (trough) from one wave is superimposed on a ridge (trough) from another - end up with a large amplitude ->
  • destructive interference - with the ridge of one wave is superimposed on the trough of another - they cancel out producing no amplitude. ->
• Here is the diffraction pattern around a circular object