Shining
HuygensβFresnel principle
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The Huygens-Fresnel principle is a magnificent example of scientific "insight" and "collaboration" of outstanding physicists. Let me explain the quotation marks in the previous sentence: "insight" happened after a long hard work, a versatile study of various optical phenomena, etc. As for "collaboration": Augustin Jean Fresnel (1788-1827) was born almost a hundred years after Christian Huygens (1629-1695) passed away. And, nevertheless, the Huygens-Fresnel principle is a joint work: a worthy refinement and generalization in 1818 of the model proposed in 1678.
Each point in space reached by a wave (point on wave front) can be considered as a source of secondary spherical waves. Adding to each other (interfering), these secondary waves form a new front.
If there are no obstacles, the flat front remains flat. And if there is an obstacle, then some of the sources of secondary waves are screened/βturned offβ. And a new wave front is formed only by a part of the previous one. This results in some kind of "diffusion" of light into the shadow area.
Many different unusual optical effects are explained by this remarkably simple and surprisingly universal principle.
Christiaan Huygens (1629-1695) - was a Dutch mechanic, physicist, mathematician, astronomer and inventor. First foreign member of the Royal Society of London, member of the French Academy of Sciences since its foundation and its first President. One of the founders of theoretical mechanics and probability theory. He made a significant contribution to optics, molecular physics, astronomy, geometry, watchmaking. Discovered the rings of Saturn and Titan (a moon of Saturn). Invented the first practical pendulum clock. He laid the foundation for wave optics.
Augustin-Jean Fresnel (1788-1827) - was a French physicist, one of the creators of the wave theory of light. The main works are devoted to physical optics. He spent almost his entire life in difficult material and living conditions, working alone, studied physics on my own.
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