Diffraction (Physics)

Recall cards on the diffraction of light. Single-slit diffraction: the bright central maximum and dimmer secondary maxima, the dark-fringe condition a sin(theta) = m*lambda, and why a narrower slit spreads the pattern. Intensity in single-slit diffraction: the phasor derivation, I = I0 (sin(beta)/beta)^2 with beta = (pi a sin(theta))/lambda, and the faint 0.045 and 0.016 secondary maxima. Double-slit diffraction as an interference pattern under a single-slit envelope, and missing orders. Diffraction gratings: d sin(theta) = m*lambda, sharp principal maxima, and spectroscopy. Circular apertures and resolution: the Rayleigh criterion theta = 1.22 lambda/D, microscope resolution x = 0.61 lambda/NA, and the diffraction limit. X-ray diffraction and Bragg's law m*lambda = 2d sin(theta). Holography: recording amplitude and phase by the interference of laser light.