Diffraction through a sub-wavelength aperture

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In summary, the conversation discusses the need for a reference providing the full field solution or on-axis solution of a plane wave incident on an infinite, perfectly-conducting screen with a circular aperture. The potential references mentioned are papers written by Bethe, Bouwkamp, and Brillouin, with Bouwkamp possibly having an exact solution in an older paper. The conversation also includes a suggestion to read through a thread discussing thin slits and the accuracy of Kirchhoff's diffraction formula.
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Claude Bile
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Hi all,

Can anyone provide a reference (textbook or paper) giving the full field solution (or the on-axis solution at least) of a plane wave incident on an infinite, perfectly-conducting screen with a circular aperture with a radius comparable to the wavelength of the incident wave?

I have looked up several papers written by Bethe, Bouwkamp and Brillouin, however they only discuss the formalisms and not the solutions themselves. Bouwkamp hinted that he derived an exact solution in one of his earlier papers, however the paper is quite old (1953) and I don't seem to be able to get access too it. Also, can anyone confirm whether Bouwkamp's solution is correct?

Thanks in advance,
Claude.
 
Science news on Phys.org

1. What is diffraction through a sub-wavelength aperture?

Diffraction through a sub-wavelength aperture is a phenomenon that occurs when light passes through a small opening that is smaller than the wavelength of the light itself. This results in the bending and spreading of the light waves, causing interference patterns and a diffraction pattern to form.

2. How does diffraction through a sub-wavelength aperture impact imaging?

Diffraction through a sub-wavelength aperture can have a significant impact on imaging, particularly in microscopy. It can cause blurring and distortion of images due to the interference patterns and diffraction effects. Therefore, it is important to consider diffraction when designing and interpreting images.

3. What are some real-world applications of diffraction through a sub-wavelength aperture?

Diffraction through a sub-wavelength aperture has many practical applications, including in microscopy, nanotechnology, and optical communication. It is also used in spectroscopy and diffraction-based sensors for analyzing and detecting small particles and molecules.

4. How does the size of the aperture affect diffraction?

The size of the aperture has a direct impact on the diffraction pattern produced. A smaller aperture will result in a larger diffraction pattern, with more pronounced interference effects and a narrower central peak. This is because a smaller aperture causes more bending and spreading of the light waves.

5. Can diffraction through a sub-wavelength aperture be controlled or manipulated?

Yes, diffraction through a sub-wavelength aperture can be controlled and manipulated through the design of the aperture itself. By adjusting the size, shape, and materials used in the aperture, it is possible to modify the diffraction pattern and create specific interference patterns for desired applications.

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