Diffraction

Diffraction is the deviation of waves from straight-line propagation when they encounter an obstacle or pass through an aperture, without changing their energy. It is the same physical effect as interference, though diffraction commonly describes the superposition of many waves. All waves can diffract, including light, sound, gravitational, water, electromagnetic and matter waves. Francesco Maria Grimaldi coined the term and recorded accurate observations in 1660.

Type

Physical phenomenon

Applies to

All waves, including light, sound and matter waves

Term coined by

Francesco Maria Grimaldi