Koch fractals in physical optics and their Fraunhofer diffraction patterns

This paper gives an overview of the utilization of fractals in physical optics, especially of Koch fractals and their diffractals. The term fractal itself is defined and some basic characteristics of fractals are mentioned. Constructions of the most typical Koch curves are also depicted. Laser diffraction experiments using regular, random and modified Koch curves are described and the corresponding diffraction patterns (intensity distributions of diffractals) are shown. Some interesting properties of these diffraction patterns are discussed.