Fresnel plate demonstrates diffraction phenomena simply and inexpensively. A large number of identical diffracting apertures are made in random orientation on photographic film. When a small source of light is viewed through the plate, the diffraction pattern typical of the diffracting aperture is readily seen

Hoover, R. B.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

August 1967
	 Brief 67-10297 I	 zvl^ 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Fresnel Diffraction Plates Are Simple and Inexpensive 
The problem: 
Previous methods of demonstrating diffraction 
phenomena have involved the use of monochromatic 
point sources or lasers, optical benches, and diffrac-
tion screens. Much time is needed for the setup and 
alignment of such sophisticated equipment and it can 
be used by only one viewer at a time. This has greatly 
limited the ability to demonstrate diffraction phe-
nomena, particularly at the level of elementary 
physics. 
The solution: 
A simple and inexpensive Fresnel plate technique, 
wherein a lare number of identical diffracting aper-
tures are made in a random orientation on a piece of 
photographic film. When a small source of light is 
viewed through the plate, the diffraction pattern that 
is typical of the diffracting aperture is readily seen. 
Such plates may also be used to demonstrate the 
Fraunhoffer diffraction pattern from a random array 
of n identical apertures. This pattern has perfect 
radial symmetry and it is believed that photographs of 
it could be used to make an excellent master scatter 
plate for use in a scatter fringe interferometer.
Notes: 
1. These Fresnel diffraction plates enable one to' 
readily see the diffraction patterns produced by dif-
ferent types of diffracting apertures. They should 
be of particular interest to all institutions of 
learning engaged in the subject of physics. 
2. Photographs of various diffraction patterns using 
both white light and that from a He-Ne laser are 
presently being made with these plates. The diffrac-
tion patterns seen when monochromatic light is 
used are of the same form and exhibit excellent 
contrast. 
3. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
Huntsville, Alabama 35812 
Reference: B67-10297 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: Richard B. Hoover 
(MFS-12731) 
Category 02 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19670000297 2020-03-11T20:41:33+00:00Z
S 
RM.- 1427
	 1(SC HQS.


Fresnel diffraction plates are simple and inexpensive

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

NASA Technical Reports Server