Simulation of Light Diffraction Phenomena with MATLAB Implementation

Implementing light diffraction simulations in MATLAB enables quantitative analysis of how diffraction patterns evolve with propagation distance. The core algorithm typically utilizes Fourier optics principles, where wave propagation is modeled through angular spectrum methods or Fresnel diffraction integrals. Key MATLAB functions like fft2/ifft2 facilitate efficient computation of diffraction patterns from aperture functions.

This simulation framework allows systematic investigation of parameters influencing diffraction effects: light wavelength (controlled via wavenumber k=2π/λ), aperture geometry (defined through binary masks or complex transmission functions), and screen distance (implemented as propagation steps in z-axis). By modifying these variables in the code, users can observe transitions between Fresnel (near-field) and Fraunhofer (far-field) diffraction regimes.

The numerical approach involves discrete sampling of wavefields, where meshgrid functions create coordinate systems and convolution operations model light propagation. Such simulations provide critical insights for optimizing optical systems like telescopes and microscopes, particularly in point spread function engineering. Furthermore, the codebase can be extended to model advanced applications including holography (via interference pattern generation) and optical data storage systems (through diffraction-limited spot analysis).