Treating Oblique Incidence as a Fraunhofer Diffraction Problem

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on applying Fraunhofer diffraction principles to oblique incidence scenarios, particularly involving mirrors rather than slits. The user expresses confusion regarding whether to treat the problem as a single slit or an infinitely narrow slit, emphasizing the challenge of applying diffraction concepts when light reflects instead of transmits. The consensus is that diffraction effects can be ignored in this context, simplifying the analysis of light behavior at oblique angles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fraunhofer diffraction principles
  • Knowledge of light behavior at oblique angles
  • Familiarity with optical systems involving mirrors
  • Basic concepts of wave optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of Fraunhofer diffraction to reflective surfaces
  • Study the differences between single slit and infinitely narrow slit diffraction
  • Explore the implications of oblique incidence on light reflection
  • Investigate methods to simplify diffraction analysis in optical systems
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Optical engineers, physicists, and students studying wave optics who are interested in the application of diffraction principles to reflective surfaces and oblique incidence scenarios.

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Homework Statement
Plane wavefront is incident at angle ##\alpha## on a plane mirror and reflects off at angle ##\beta## - treat the situation as a 1d Fraunhofer diffraction problem, finding the phase of the diffracted wavefront as a function of distance from the mirror centre and ##\beta##. Find the intensity distribution.
Relevant Equations
Fraunhofer intensity
I'm not sure where to start on this as I've only used Fraunhofer when it involves slits, not mirrors. Would I say it was a single slit problem so that D = width of slit (but this doesn't make sense to me because the light is reflecting not transmitting? Or an infinitely narrow slit hence nothing is transmitted? The point of the question is to show we can ignore diffraction effects in this situation but I'm just not sure how to apply Fraunhofer diffraction to this, so any help at all is appreciated.
 
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