Investigation of diffraction patterns produced by feathers

Abstract

Diffraction due to barbs and barbules were found to produce patterns similar to multiple slits diffraction and grating diffraction respectively. Using a plotting tool, multiple slits diffraction was simulated. Peak positions of simulated data coincide with the peak position of experimental data with differences only in intensities which can be accounted to scattering of light upon passing through opaque structure of the feather. The actual distance of barbules were calculated using calibrations obtained using a microscope. The experimental distances of barbules were calculated using equation for diffraction grating. Good correspondence between experimental and actual values was obtained with maximum percentage error of 3.7%.