Simultaneous display of all the Fresnel diffraction patterns of one-dimensional apertures

An optical setup is implemented for observation and analysis of diffraction phenomena. The device provides a two-dimensional ordered continuous displa y of all the diffraction patterns of any one-dimensional signal. This resul t allows a direct comparison between the observed light intensity and the p rediction of diffraction theory, both in the near-field and the far-field r egions. The arrangement is built with conventional laboratory optical compo nents plus a single ophthalmic progressive lens. Experimental results for t ypical diffracting apertures are shown. (C) 2001 American Association of Ph ysics Teachers.