diffraction grating

Noun

WordNet 3.0

Noun (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 spectrumSynonyms: diffraction grating grating

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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]