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A reflection grating is a type of diffraction grating that has its lines ruled on a mirrored surface. Diffraction gratings are optical components used to separate light into its constituent wavelengths, creating a spectrum.12

Unlike transmission gratings, which are transparent, reflection gratings are mirrored. They can be plane or concave. Concave reflection gratings have the advantage of producing sharp spectral lines without the need for additional lenses or mirrors, making them useful for infrared and ultraviolet light.2

The precise lines on gratings are created by ruling engines or photographic methods. They work based on the principle of diffraction and interference, allowing for very high resolution in separating spectral lines.2

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