Diffraction is the phenomena of spreading out of light when it encounters an opening (aperture), object or an edge.
The spreading is significant enough for observation only when the size of the aperture or object is similar to the wavelength of the light waves.
You would need
- a visible red light laser,
- an object with a sharp edge,
- a wire with a very thin radius
- and an object with a very small circular pinhole.
When light gets diffracted around an aperture, it forms a diffraction pattern that is observable.
- If you place the laser such that the beam falls on the sharp edge, you will get a diffraction pattern as follows:
- If you place the laser such that the beam falls on the thin wire, you would get a diffraction pattern as follows:
- If you place the laser such that the beam falls on a very small pinhole, you would get a diffraction pattern as follows:
Extract from Physics Stage 6 Syllabus © 2017 NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)