Overview

This text links the theory of Fraunhofer (far-field) diffraction with the applied mathematical method of discrete Fourier transforms. With this practical approach, readers have the opportunity to implement computational techniques that are practical in nature. In addition to providing a comprehensive and practical approach to far-field diffraction, the authors present a recently established complement to traditional microscopy: Dynamic Optical Diffraction (DOD). This method relies on tracking temporal changes in an oversampled species. The authors, Prof. Jenny Magnes and Prof. Juan Merlo-Ramírez, drew on years of pedagogical experience to fill in the elementary material often omitted from the literature on diffraction and Fourier transforms. Their years of experience in teaching at the undergraduate level make this book appealing. Key Features: Provides an introduction to optical interference and diffraction. Includes worked examples and experimental data. Contains end of chapter summaries and chapter problems. Presents descriptions and results of hands-on experiments with live species. Suitable for undergraduates and first year graduate students

Full Product Details

Author:   Jenny Magnes (Associate Professor, Vassar College (United States)) ,  Juan Merlo-Ramirez (Vassar College (United States)) ,  Juan Merlo-Ramirez (Vassar College (United States))
Publisher:   Institute of Physics Publishing
Imprint:   Institute of Physics Publishing
Dimensions:   Width: 17.80cm , Height: 1.00cm , Length: 25.40cm
Weight:   0.469kg
ISBN:  

9780750348348

ISBN 10:   0750348348
Pages:   142
Publication Date:   18 November 2025
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Preface: Research at the undergraduate level 1. Optical interference –the ground work for this book by defining waves and how they interfere. Important concepts discussed will be phase shifts and beat frequencies. 2. Diffraction – Basic principles of diffraction with applications. Uses and limitations of diffraction will be discussed. We will begin with commonly known approximations of the well-known Youngs double slit experiment. 3. Far-field Diffraction – This is one of the most widely used types of diffraction. Analytical calculations of diffraction patterns are presented using Fourier Transforms. We will demonstrate that the patterns themselves are optical Fourier Transforms and use this to develop the effects of translation and rotation of an object upon its far field diffraction pattern. We will compare calculations to actual data. 4. Computing Diffraction Patterns – An introduction to the use of the commonly known Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) using computer code. This tool allows for the calculation of the diffraction pattern due to any shape. 5. Dynamic Diffraction – This chapter brings together previous chapters and explores diffraction patterns of moving objects. The extraction of useful information and modeling is explained. We will explain how “modern dynamical systems: contributes to the understanding of dynamic diffraction signals. 6. Image Reconstruction – Optional. How can we retrieve an image from a diffraction pattern? This chapter discusses image reconstruction and the underlying algorithm. 7. Applications – What kind of insights have been gained through the use of diffraction? Examples include crystallography, spectrometry and more.

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Author Information

Dr. Jenny Magnes holds a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from Delaware State University and a B.S. in English from the University of Maryland (European Division), as well as an M.A. and Ph.D. in physics from Temple University. She is currently serving as a professor and chair of the physics and astronomy department at Vassar College. Dr. Magnes has researched various areas involving optics: diatomic spectroscopy of alkalis, quantum optics, molecular optics, opto-mechanical techniques, nano-structures, and bio-photonics. She is interested in developing techniques that are beneficial during classroom interactions. She has also successfully involved undergraduates in her research, resulting in more than 16 peer-reviewed publications with undergraduates. Dr. Magnes and her research group dove into investigating micro-organisms using optical techniques like scattering and various interference effects involving iridescence. Dr. Magnes’s work on the locomotion of C. elegans was funded by the National Science Foundation. Currently, she is investigating the locomotory predictability of microorganisms using non-linear dynamics in the field of chaos and complexity. Juan M. Merlo-Ramírez is an Associate Professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department at Vassar College. He holds a five-year degree in Physics and an M.Sc. in Optoelectronics from the University of Puebla. In 2010, he earned a Ph.D. in Optics from the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics, and Electronics (INAOE) in Puebla, Mexico, with a dissertation on near-field microscopy. His current research focuses on two main areas: (1) near-field microscopy and plasmonics, where he studies light–matter interactions at the nanoscale, and (2) topological phases of matter in classical systems, with an emphasis on photonic and mechanical topological insulators. He is also interested in disseminating scientific knowledge by writing science books for children.

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