diffraction grating

3 definitions found

diffraction grating - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Grating \Grat"ing\, n. [See 2d Grate.]
     1. A partition, covering, or frame of parallel or cross bars;
        a latticework resembling a window grate; as, the grating
        of a prison or convent.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Optics) A system of close equidistant parallel lines or
        bars, esp. lines ruled on a polished surface, used for
        producing spectra by diffraction; -- called also
        diffraction grating.
  
     Note: Gratings have been made with over 40,000 such lines to
           the inch, but those with a somewhat smaller number give
           the best definition. They are used, e. g., to produce
           monochromatic light for use in optical instruments such
           as spectrophotometers.
           [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  
     3. pl. (Naut.) The strong wooden lattice used to cover a
        hatch, admitting light and air; also, a movable Lattice
        used for the flooring of boats.
        [1913 Webster]

  Diffraction \Dif*frac"tion\, n. [Cf. F. diffraction.] (Opt.)
     The deflection and decomposition of light in passing by the
     edges of opaque bodies or through narrow slits, causing the
     appearance of parallel bands or fringes of prismatic colors,
     as by the action of a grating of fine lines or bars.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Remarked by Grimaldi (1665), and referred by him to a
           property of light which he called diffraction.
                                                    --Whewell.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Diffraction grating. (Optics) See under Grating.
  
     Diffraction spectrum. (Optics) See under Spectrum.
        [1913 Webster]

diffraction grating - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  diffraction grating
      n 1: optical device consisting of a surface with many parallel
           grooves in it; disperses a beam of light (or other
           electromagnetic radiation) into its wavelengths to produce
           its spectrum [syn: diffraction grating, grating]