MoiréEffekt

The Moiré effect is a visual pattern that emerges when two similar, repeating patterns, such as grids or lines, are superimposed at an angle or with a slight difference in spacing. This superimposition creates a new, often larger, and more complex pattern that is not present in either of the original patterns individually. The resulting Moiré pattern can appear as wavy lines, concentric circles, or other geometric shapes, depending on the characteristics of the initial patterns.

This phenomenon is not limited to simple line drawings. It can occur in various contexts, including digital imaging, textiles, and even in the natural world. In digital photography, for example, Moiré patterns can appear when photographing finely detailed repeating patterns like fabric weaves or distant fences. This is due to the sampling process of the camera sensor interacting with the repeating pattern of the subject. In printing, Moiré can arise from the overlapping of halftone dots used to create color images, particularly if the screens are not properly aligned.

While sometimes considered an undesirable artifact, the Moiré effect can also be intentionally used. In some artistic applications, designers exploit the Moiré effect to create visually interesting and dynamic designs. Understanding the Moiré effect is crucial in fields ranging from optics and digital signal processing to textile design and art to either avoid or utilize its distinctive visual properties.