Fresnel diffraction

Fresnel diffraction is a phenomenon that occurs when light waves encounter an obstacle or a slit that is comparable in size to the wavelength of the light. Instead of traveling in straight lines, the waves spread out, creating patterns of light and dark areas called interference patterns. This happens because different parts of the wavefront interfere with each other as they pass through the opening or around the obstacle. Fresnel diffraction is important in various applications, including optics and imaging, helping us understand how light behaves in real-world scenarios, such as around edges and in devices like lenses.