On the diffraction of light by spherical obstacles

Abstract

The diffraction of light inside the shadow, thrown by a small source of light, of a sphere and a circular disc of the same diameter, was studied, with special reference to the relative intensities of the central bright spots. With the source at about 2 metres from the obstacles, with a quarter-inch polished steel ball, the bright spot could be detected visually up to 3 cm. behind the obstacle, while with a steel disc of the same diameter, with the edges perfectly sharp, smooth and circular, the spot could be traced up to 2 cm.

The relative intensities of the two spots were studied at different distances behind the obstacles, qualitatively by photography and quantitatively by visual photometry. At small distances behind the obstacles, the spot inside the shadow of the sphere is much feebler than the disc-spot, however approximating to the latter as we reach farther back from the obstacles, but even at 100 cm. remaining appreciably feebler.

A general explanation is suggested.