Optical grating
An optical (also diffraction) grating is an optical element with a regular pattern that divides (bends) light into several beams propagating in different directions. The directions of light propagation depend on the spacing of the grating elements and the wavelength of the light, so the optical grating can serve as a dispersive element to decompose light into wavelengths.
Examples[edit | edit source]
Diffraction gratings are often used in instruments such as monochromators, spectrometers, lasers, and many other optical instruments.
Common pressed CDs and DVDs are an everyday example of a diffraction grating and can be used to demonstrate an optical grating, for example by reflecting sunlight on a white wall.
An example of diffraction on a grating in nature can be the iridescent colors of peacock feathers, mother of pearl, butterfly wings, beetle shells, etc. The reason is the very fine structures that break up the light into colors on their regular pattern.
