Abstract

An equation is derived for the case of Fraunhofer diffraction through an absorbing prism limited by an aperture. This reduces for the case of zero absorption to the usual equation, and for the case of an infinite absorbing prism, to a witch. Curves are plotted to show how the diffraction bands fade out with increased absorption. The theory is checked by photographs of light sent through a liquid prism of India ink solution. The chromatic resolving power of an infinite absorbing prism is derived. The equation is modified for the grazing angles used in x-rays and an angular half-width of the diffraction pattern of 2.37″ of arc is computed for the case of Bearden and Shaw’s experiment on the refractive index of quartz at 1.S4A.

© 1937 Optical Society of America

Diffraction Pattern Deterioration by Roof Prisms*

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A Refractometer for the Near Infrared

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