Chapter 28: Physical Optics: Interference and Diffraction Reference Tools & Resources

Reference Tools & Resources

I. Key Terms and Phrases

superposition/interference: the combination of waves such that the net "displacement" at a point is the sum of the displacements of the individual waves.

constructive interference: when waves superimpose such that the net displacements are increased.

destructive interference: when waves superimpose such that the net displacements are diminished.

monochromatic light: light of a single frequency (or wavelength).

coherent light: when different light waves maintain a constant phase relationship.

incoherent light: when different light waves have a random phase relationship.

diffraction: the bending of waves that pass by obstacles or through openings.

resolution: a measure of the ability to visually distinguish closely-spaced objects.

diffraction grating: a system with a large number of slits for the purpose of analyzing light sources.

II. Important Equations

Name/Topic	Equation	Explanation
Young's two-slit experiment		The condition for bright fringes. The condition for dark fringes.
single-slit diffraction		The condition for dark fringes.
resolution		Rayleigh's criterion for when two objects can be barely resolved.
diffraction gratings		The condition for the principal maxima of a diffraction grating.

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