Diffraction Orders: Tilted Light Arrays & Incident Lights

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of diffraction, specifically whether diffraction can occur with tilted light arrays or if it is limited to normal incident lights. The scope includes theoretical considerations and interpretations of diffraction phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that all light diffracts when its path is restricted, suggesting that diffraction can occur with tilted light arrays, although normal incidence is often emphasized for simplicity in mathematics.
  • Another participant questions the context of the diffraction, asking for clarification on what the light is shining onto and what type of diffraction is being discussed.
  • A further comment speculates on the terminology used, suggesting that "tilted light arrays" might refer to diffraction gratings, though this is presented as a guess.
  • One participant reflects on the original context of the thread, mentioning Bragg diffraction of X-rays and noting that this type of diffraction typically involves analyzing light coming in at an angle, which adds complexity to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of diffraction to tilted light arrays versus normal incidence, with no consensus reached on the interpretation of the original question or the specific type of diffraction being referenced.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential ambiguities in terminology and context, particularly regarding the type of diffraction and the conditions under which it is analyzed. There are unresolved questions about the specific setup being referred to and the assumptions underlying the discussion.

faryafada
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Can diffraction be explained for tilted light arrays or only normal incident lights can have diffraction orders?
 
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All light diffracts when it's path is restricted - so you can have diffraction when the light is not normal incidence on the diffraction grating. The reason you are taught the normal-incidence case is that the math is simpler.

You can try it out and see.
 
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Diffraction from what? What is the light shining onto? What kind of diffraction are we talking about here?
 
Diffracted from "tilted light arrays" ... English is a second language perhaps? The interpretation is reinforced by the reference to the angle of incidence and a perusal of introductory lessons in diffraction. We would say "diffraction gratings" in the same place.

Still - that is a guess: I could be wrong :)
 
This thread was originally in the "Atomic, Solid State, etc." forum, so my first thought was Bragg diffraction of X-rays from a crystal. But that confused me, because with Bragg diffraction you usually do analyze it with the light coming in at an angle!

Another mentor moved it here later.
 

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