In
optics, a
diffraction grating is an optical component with a periodic structure, which splits and
diffracts light into several beams travelling in different directions. The emerging coloration is a form of
structural coloration. The directions of these beams depend on the spacing of the grating and the wavelength of the light so that the grating acts as the
dispersive element. Because of this, gratings are commonly used in
monochromators and
spectrometers.