What is Diffraction?

> Ed Nazarko writes:
>
> Diffraction cannot be avoided, it's the way light behaves when going
> through any
> system. Every lens, telescope mirror and pinhole has diffraction. The
> best optics
> are said to be 'diffraction limited' which means that the optics are
> about as good
> as they can be because the other defects in the system have been reduced
> to below
> the level of the diffraction.
>

I've been hunting on the web for a good description of diffraction, but it
all talks about physics and x-rays. Could some one give a real simple,
basic description of diffraction and how it shows itself in pinholes? I
would appreciate no equations if possible. An example with a picture would
be cool.

Thanks
Lisa
Received on Wed Dec 11 11:38:45 2002