Fraunhofer diffraction

Fraunhofer diffraction

In optics, the Fraunhofer diffraction equation is used to model the diffraction of waves when the diffraction pattern is viewed at a long distance from the diffracting object, and also when it is viewed at the focal plane of an imaging lens.^[1][2] In contrast, the diffraction pattern created near the object, in the near field region, is given by the Fresnel diffractionequation.

The equation was named in honor of Joseph von Fraunhofer although he was not actually involved in the development of the theory.^[3]

This article explains where the Fraunhofer equation can be applied, and shows the form of the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern for various apertures. A detailed mathematical treatment of Fraunhofer diffraction is given in Fraunhofer diffraction equation.