Electron wavelike behavior: A historical and experimental introduction

Following the Fresnel theory of light and the consequent scientific debate that his formulation generated, two key experiments with electrons, diffraction by means of a circular hole and a circular obstruction, have been realized to show the existence of the Fresnel zones and of the so-called ‘‘Poisson spot.’’ The basic arguments concerning the quantum mechanical nature of electrons can be introduced by taking advantage of the vivid impression stimulated by the experimental images.