Editing Fraunhofer diffraction (section)

{{short description|Far-field diffraction}}
In [[optics]], the '''Fraunhofer diffraction''' equation is used to model the [[diffraction]] of waves when plane waves are incident on a diffracting object, and the diffraction pattern is viewed at a sufficiently long distance (a distance satisfying [[Fraunhofer diffraction#Derivation of Fraunhofer condition|Fraunhofer condition]]) from the object (in the far-field region), and also when it is viewed at the [[focal plane]] of an imaging [[Lens (optics)|lens]].<ref>{{harvnb|Born|Wolf|1999|p=427}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Jenkins|White|1957|p=288}}</ref> In contrast, the diffraction pattern created near the diffracting object and  (in the [[Near-field region|near field]] region) is given by the [[Fresnel diffraction]] equation.

The equation was named in honor of [[Joseph von Fraunhofer]]<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/biography/Fraunhofer.html | title=Fraunhofer, Joseph von (1787-1826) -- from Eric Weisstein's World of Scientific Biography}}</ref> although he was not actually involved in the development of the theory.{{Citation needed|reason=The previous reference implies the opposite.|date=January 2021}}

This article explains where the Fraunhofer equation can be applied, and shows Fraunhofer diffraction patterns for various apertures. A detailed mathematical treatment of Fraunhofer diffraction is given in [[Fraunhofer diffraction equation]].