Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction theory

Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction theory explains how light waves bend and spread when they encounter obstacles or openings, such as slits. It extends the basic principles of wave behavior to describe how these waves propagate and distort, creating patterns of light and dark spots, known as diffraction patterns. This theory is crucial in understanding phenomena like the colors observed in a CD or the patterns in a laser beam passing through a slit. It combines mathematical concepts of wavefronts and interference, providing a framework for analyzing how waves interact with their environment.