Wave Optics and Interference Fundamentals

Wave Optics

• Wave interference occurs when two or more waves interact with each other.
• The principle of superposition states that the resultant displacement of the medium at a point is equal to the vector sum of the displacements due to individual waves.
• Coherent light sources emit waves with a constant phase difference.
• Coherent light sources can be produced by division of wavefront or division of amplitude.
• Young's Double Slit experiment demonstrates wave interference.
• Phase change on reflection occurs when light reflects off a denser medium.
• Thin film interference occurs due to interference between waves reflected from the front and back surfaces of a thin film.
• Michelson interferometer measures the wavelength of light or the distance between two surfaces.
• Fabry-Perot interferometer is used for high resolution spectroscopy and frequency stabilisation.
• Michelson and Fabry-Perot interferometers can be used as interference filters.

Diffraction

• Diffraction refers to the spreading of waves as they pass through an opening or around an obstacle.
• It is a phenomenon that occurs with all waves, including light, sound, and water waves.
• Diffraction occurs when the wavelength of the wave is comparable to the size of the opening or obstacle.
• Diffraction patterns can be used to determine the wavelength of light.

Polarization

• Polarization refers to the direction of the electric field vector in a light wave.
• Unpolarized light has electric field vectors vibrating in all directions.
• Polarized light has electric field vectors vibrating in a single plane.
• Polarization can be achieved through various methods, including reflection, scattering, and absorption.
• Polarized light has many practical applications, including sunglasses, LCD displays, and 3D movies.

Lasers

• Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
• Lasers emit highly coherent and monochromatic light, which is highly directional.
• Lasers work based on the principle of stimulated emission.
• Lasers have numerous applications in technology, medicine, and research.

Explore the fascinating concepts of wave optics in this quiz, covering principles such as wave interference, the superposition principle, and coherent light sources. You will also learn about important experiments like Young's Double Slit and the use of interferometers in measuring wavelengths and other applications.