Diffraction and gravitational lensing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of diffraction and gravitational lensing, exploring how light behaves in these phenomena. Participants examine the differences in focus between the source of light and its observed path in both contexts, as well as personal experimentation related to light directionality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the focus of study in diffraction versus gravitational lensing, suggesting a difference in perspective regarding the source and path of light.
  • Another participant clarifies that in diffraction experiments, the light source is known and the focus is on how diffraction alters its path, while in gravitational lensing, the effects of gravity on light are studied to infer its origin.
  • A participant shares a personal experiment conducted in a railway tunnel, noting that the direction of light appeared to change when obscured, expressing uncertainty about the results.
  • Another participant references Feynman's work, suggesting that light can enter geometric shadows, although this point is not elaborated upon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of their observations and experiments, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple perspectives on the nature of light in diffraction and gravitational lensing.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on personal experimentation and interpretations of light behavior, which may not align with established theories. The discussion includes uncertainty regarding the outcomes of the personal experiment and the implications of Feynman's reference.

Dylanden
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Hello.

And i have a dumb question about light.
When the diffraction is studied, we look at where the light is coming. But not where the light comes from.
When the gravitational deviation is studied, we look at where the light comes from, but not where the light comes.

What do you think?

thank you very much

Dylan
 
Science news on Phys.org
When we're studying diffraction, we know where the light source is because we put it there when we set up the experiment. So we're trying to see how diffraction affects the path of the light.

When we're studying gravitational lensing we know how the light is affected by gravity and we're trying to figure out where it came from.
 
Hello

Thank you for your answer.
But i have made a little expermentation. In a old raiway tunnel.
Just use ma camera and a small light
And at half distance, slowly hide, obscure the light by the side with an opaque screen. It seems to me that the light does not always come from the same direction on the video.
But i am not sure

Dylan
 
Hello

And you can have a look in the Feynman books, there is light that come in the geometric shadow.
I think.

Dylan
 

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