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Physics

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PhysicsSection Summary
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17.1 Understanding Diffraction and Interference

  • The wavelength of light varies with the refractive index of the medium.
  • Slits produce a diffraction pattern if their width and separation are similar to the wavelength of light passing through them.
  • Interference bands of a single-slit diffraction pattern can be predicted.
  • Interference bands of a double-slit diffraction pattern can be predicted.

17.2 Applications of Diffraction, Interference, and Coherence

  • The focused, coherent radiation emitted by lasers has many uses in medicine and industry.
  • Characteristics of diffraction patterns produced with diffraction gratings can be determined.
  • Diffraction gratings have been incorporated in many instruments, including microscopes and spectrometers.
  • Resolution has a limit that can be predicted.
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