light diffraction

Light diffraction is the bending and spreading of light waves as they pass around obstacles or through small openings. When light encounters an opening or edge similar in size to its wavelength, it doesn’t just travel straight; it disperses and creates patterns of bright and dark areas. This phenomenon demonstrates that light behaves like a wave, not just particles. Diffraction explains effects like the blurry edges of shadows or the colorful patterns seen in thin films. It is fundamental in understanding how light interacts with objects, influencing technologies like microscopes, cameras, and optical fibers.