A unique diffraction pattern formed by a grating from a flying termite wing

Abstract

In diffraction experiments, natural gratings often create uncommon diffraction patterns compared with those resulting from manufactured gratings. This study analyzed a unique diffraction pattern obtained by a grating from a flying termite wing. A ring-like diffraction pattern was formed because of the grating morphology from a flying termite wing, which consisted of horizontal- and vertical-structured slits. The mechanism of diffraction pattern formation is also provided. The distance between slits was measured using digital microscope images and a diffraction experiment, with the results coming to an agreement. Using this grating in a diffraction experiment can help educators provide an alternative diffraction experiment that supports students in studying the topic in a more complex manner.