Coherence is a property of waves that describes how consistent the wave's phase is over time and space
What is the phase difference in coherent waves?
Constant
Temporally coherent waves maintain a constant phase difference over time
Coherent waves maintain a constant phase difference, which allows them to constructively and destructively interfere to create distinct interference patterns
Match the type of coherence with its description:
Spatial Coherence ↔️ Consistency of phase across the wavefront
Temporal Coherence ↔️ Consistency of phase over time
What is an application of coherent light in holography?
Create 3D images
Why do coherent sources produce sharper diffraction patterns compared to incoherent sources?
Constant phase difference
Coherent waves maintain a constant phase difference over time and space.
True
Temporal coherence describes the consistency of a wave's phase over time
Match the application with the source type:
Holography ↔️ Coherent sources
White light sources ↔️ Incoherent sources
Lasers are an example of a coherent source because they exhibit both spatial and temporal coherence
Match the wave property with its description:
Coherence ↔️ Consistency of wave phase over time and space
Constant phase difference ↔️ Allows constructive and destructive interference
Arrange the following steps in the correct order to describe the behavior of two coherent laser beams:
1️⃣ Two laser beams with the same frequency and constant phase difference
2️⃣ Beams interfere constructively and destructively
3️⃣ Create clear interference fringes
What frequency condition is required for temporal coherence?
Constant, single frequency
What is a common application of incoherent waves?
White light sources
For spatial coherence, waves must originate from a single point source or have a constant phase difference across the wavefront
Match the source type with the diffraction pattern it produces:
Coherent Source ↔️ Distinct interference patterns
Incoherent Source ↔️ No discernible interference patterns
The coherence of the wave source determines the sharpness and distinctness of the diffraction patterns
What are the two main types of coherence?
Spatial and temporal
For temporal coherence, waves must have a constant, single frequency.
True
The coherence of a wave source is crucial for the sharpness of diffraction patterns.
True
Spatial and temporal coherence are the two main types of coherence
True
Incoherent waves do not produce discernible interference patterns
For spatial coherence, waves must originate from a single point source or have a constant phase difference across the wavefront
True
Coherent waves have a constant phase difference, while incoherent waves have a random phase difference
True
Spatial and temporal coherence are both necessary for creating distinct interference patterns
True
Coherent laser beams can be tightly focused for precise material processing
What is diffraction in wave phenomena?
The bending of waves
Match the wave type with its phase difference:
Coherent waves ↔️ Constant phase difference
Incoherent waves ↔️ Random phase difference
Conditions for coherence in waves:
1️⃣ Waves must originate from a single point source or have a constant phase difference across the wavefront
2️⃣ Waves must have the same frequency
3️⃣ Waves must maintain a constant phase difference over time
What is one key property of lasers that makes them suitable for optical communication?