diffraction

diffraction: The deviation of an electromagnetic wavefront from the path predicted by geometric optics when the wavefront interacts with, i.e. , is restricted by, a physical object such as an opening (aperture) or an edge. (188) Note: Diffraction is usually most noticeable for openings of the order of a wavelength. However, diffraction may still be important for apertures many orders of magnitude larger than the wavelength.

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