>
>
> Diffraction is a phenomena arising from the wave nature of light.
> Fresnel diffraction occurs when a point source radiates light in
> spherical waves, diffracts by an object, and projects a diffraction
> pattern instead of a shadow. For example, the diffraction pattern
> behind any circular object, whether it is a BB or a bowling ball,
> yields a bright spot (!) in the exact center of where the shadow
> would be.
>
>
Why did you write the Fresnel Diffraction Explorer?
The most common type of diffraction taught inschools and colleges is
Fraunhofer diffraction (which uses plane waves), partially because the
computations to predict its effects are relatively easy (just a
Fourier transform). But Fresnel diffraction has traditionally been
very difficult to predict. While I was an undergraduate in physics at
Harvey Mudd College, I created an algorithm to solve that problem, a
problem I later learned was of significant interest in physics. I
wrote a paper published in the Nov/Dec 1996 issue of Computers In
Physics, and this is a program that produces the results.
This version can also simulate Fraunhofer diffraction.
How do I use the Fresnel Diffraction Explorer?
The bottom line with this program is: PLAY WITH IT! Go ahead and
experiment. Let your imagination flow! Most Macintosh users skip the
manuals anyway, and the program has help balloons for all the menu
items. You can try the self-demo too.
See my web site at:
[
http://www.physics.ucla.edu/~dauger/fresnel/][1]
DL #1 Fresnel Explorer v1.2.1 68k
DL #2 Fresnel Explorer v1.2.1 PPC
DL #3 Fresnel Explorer v1.2.1 FAT
DL #4 Example Parameter Files
Compatibility
Architecture: 68k PPC
[1]:
https://web.archive.org/web/19990218180023/http://www.physics.ucla.edu/~dauger/fresnel/
