Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

12:08
Fabrication of High Contrast Gratings for the Spectrum Splitting Dispersive Element in a Concentrated Photovoltaic System
Published on: July 18, 2015
Summary
Recent advances in diffraction grating ruling are reviewed, highlighting the use of interferometry and electronics for ruling engine control. This technology enhances precision in optical component manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Precision Engineering
Background:
- Diffraction gratings are crucial optical components.
- Ruling engines are used to create gratings.
- Technological advancements are essential for improving grating quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in diffraction grating ruling over the past 25 years.
- To highlight the integration of interferometry and electronics in ruling engine control.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature and technological developments.
- Analysis of the impact of interferometry on ruling engine precision.
- Examination of electronic control systems for ruling engines.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in diffraction grating ruling precision.
- Successful application of interferometry for enhanced ruling engine control.
- Integration of advanced electronics leading to greater automation and accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Interferometry and electronics have revolutionized diffraction grating ruling.
- These advancements enable the production of higher-quality optical components.
- The reviewed technologies represent a significant leap in precision engineering for optics.
Related Concept Videos
Interference and Diffraction
Interference is a characteristic phenomenon exhibited by waves. When two electromagnetic waves interact with their peaks and troughs coinciding, a resulting wave with enhanced amplitude is produced. This is known as constructive interference. In this case, the two waves interacting are in phase with each other.
X-ray Crystallography
The size of the unit cell and the arrangement of atoms in a crystal may be determined from measurements of the diffraction of X-rays by the crystal, termed X-ray crystallography.
Diffraction
Diffraction is the change in the direction of travel experienced by an electromagnetic wave when it encounters a physical barrier whose dimensions are comparable to those of the wavelength of the light. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths about as long as the distance between neighboring...
Diffraction
Diffraction is the change in the direction of travel experienced by an electromagnetic wave when it encounters a physical barrier whose dimensions are comparable to those of the wavelength of the light. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths about as long as the distance between neighboring...
Determination of Crystal Structures
In the late 1800s, the revelation that light extended beyond visible wavelengths led to the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen. Recognized as high-energy electromagnetic radiation with short wavelengths, X-rays prompted exploration into their interaction with crystals. Max von Laue proposed in 1912 that the periodic arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in crystals would cause them to diffract X-rays, a hypothesis confirmed through experiments with copper sulfate and zinc sulfide...
X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples
X-ray diffraction or XRD is an analytical tool that utilizes X-rays to study ordered structures such as crystalline organic and inorganic samples, polycrystalline materials, proteins, carbohydrates, and drugs.
According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal crystal...
According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal crystal...
IR Spectrometers
There are two main infrared (IR) spectrophotometers: dispersive IR spectrometers and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers. In a dispersive IR spectrometer, a beam of infrared radiation produced by a hot wire is divided into two parallel equal-intensity beams using mirrors. One beam passes through the sample, while another is a reference beam. The beams then move through the monochromator, which separates the radiations into a continuous spectrum of different frequencies. The...

