diffraction grating
Dateca. 1900-1940
Inventory NumberWJ0622b
ClassificationDiffraction Grating
Subject
Maker
American
?
Cultural Region
Place of Use
Dimensions21.8 × 16.7 × 0.2 cm (8 9/16 × 6 9/16 × 1/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionRectangular piece of dark glass with black tape around the edges.
Signedunsigned
Curatorial RemarksMoved from William James Hall 6/30/97.
FunctionDispersion and spectral analysis of polychromatic light. Diffraction gratings consist of a series of periodic modifications of the index of refraction in order to modify the amplitude or phase of an electromagnetic wave incident on the surface of the grating. Because the phases of light waves have been changed, light waves of different wavelengths will constructively interfere at different points. For a deeper explanation of diffraction gratings, see Christopher Palmer, Diffraction Grating Handbook (Rochester, NY: Newport Corporation, 2005), chapters 1 (available here) and 2 (available here).
ProvenanceDepartment of Psychology, Harvard University.
Scientific Shop
Date: 1900-1910
Accessories: Ives' photographic replica of diffraction grating
Ives' photographic replica of circular grating
Object number: WJ0631
Central Scientific Company
Date: 1910-1930
Object number: 2059
Jarrell-Ash Company
Date: circa 1946
Object number: 2052a
American
Date: circa 1925
Object number: 1998-1-1397
