− | Each point on the surface can be approximated by an outgoing spherical wave. [[Image:huygensprinciple.gif|thumb|Huygen's Principle Illustrated (courtesy of http://www.mathpages.com/home/kmath242/kmath242.htm]] Depending on the nature of the surface topology, the shape will be contained in these outgoing spherical waves, but will diffuse over some distance. | + | Each point on the surface can be approximated by an outgoing spherical wave. [[Image:huygensprinciple.gif|thumb|Huygen's Principle Illustrated (courtesy of [http://www.mathpages.com/home/kmath242/kmath242.htm]]] Depending on the nature of the surface topology, the shape will be contained in these outgoing spherical waves, but will diffuse over some distance. |
− | In our model of the diamond surface, Huygen's principle can be used to determine the forward distance from the surface when the reflected light will no longer contain a ''valid'' image of the surface. Using the diagram at right, [[Image:ResDiagram1.jpg|thumb|Surface Schematic]] and some knowledge of the experimental setup, a rought estimate for the forward distance ''L'' can be calculated using a small angle approximation for the angle. Using the the diamond surface is about <math>5 \times 10^{-3} m</math> and the thickness is <math>5 \times 10^{-6} m</math>, the forward distance for image loss can then be deduced to be 5m. Since this is much longer than the feature length. Our experimental setup can be considered effective. | + | In our model of the diamond surface, Huygen's principle can be used to determine the forward distance from the surface when the reflected light will no longer contain a ''valid'' image of the surface. Using the diagram at right, [[Image:ResDiagram1.jpg|thumb|Surface Schematic]] and some knowledge of the experimental setup, an estimate for the forward distance ''L'' can be calculated using a small angle approximation for the angle. Using the the diamond surface is about <math>5 \times 10^{-3} m</math> and the thickness is <math>5 \times 10^{-6} m</math>, the forward distance for image loss can then be deduced to be 5m. Since this is much longer than the feature length. Our experimental setup can be considered effective. |