Fresnel diffraction from a step in the general case

Recently, Fresnel diffraction from phase steps with parallel plates has been studied in detail, and the subject has led to many interesting metrological applications. In this report we formulate Fresnel diffraction from a physical step with arbitrarily oriented plates in reflection mode. We simulate the diffraction patterns for different orientations of the plates and develop the required procedure for determining the involved angles by analysis of the diffraction pattern. In the experimental part of the report we arrange a setup to form diffraction patterns in different orientations of the step plates and test the derived formulations. Also, we briefly review the application potentials of the subject.