Tag: Interference
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Sagnac Effect
Introduction The Sagnac effect, named after French physicist Georges Sagnac, is a phenomenon in the field of interferometry that manifests itself as a phase shift between two light beams traveling in opposite directions around a rotating platform. This effect is significant in areas like geophysics, navigation, and technology associated with light propagation and rotation. The…
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Chapter 4: The Michelson Interferometer
4.1 Introduction to the Michelson Interferometer The Michelson Interferometer is an optical instrument that utilizes interference to measure distances and wavelengths with high precision. It was invented by Albert A. Michelson in the late 19th century and has been used in various scientific experiments, including the famous Michelson-Morley experiment, which tested the existence of the…
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Chapter 3: Interference
3.1 Introduction to Interference Interference is a fundamental phenomenon in wave theory that occurs when two or more waves superpose to form a resultant wave. The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves overlap, the displacement at any point is the vector sum of the displacements of the individual waves. In the…
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Optics
Introduction Optics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior and properties of light, including its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect it. Optics usually describes the behavior of visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light. Nature of Light Light is an electromagnetic wave, and its speed in a vacuum…
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Longitudinal Waves
Introduction Longitudinal waves are a type of wave in which the displacement of the medium’s particles is parallel to the propagation of the wave. They are characterized by alternating regions of compressions (areas where the particles are close together) and rarefactions (areas where the particles are far apart). Wave Parameters and Properties Wave Speed The…
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Interferometry
Introduction Interferometry is a family of techniques in physics which use the phenomenon of interference to make precise measurements of various quantities. It involves superposing (or “mixing”) waves to extract information about the waves or the media they have interacted with. Basic Principle The basic principle of interferometry involves splitting a wave into two or…
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Interference
Introduction Interference is a fundamental concept in wave theory, describing the phenomenon where two or more waves combine to form a resultant wave. The principle of interference is central to many areas of physics, including optics, acoustics, and quantum mechanics. Constructive and Destructive Interference When two waves meet, they interfere with each other. The superposition…
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Young’s Double-Slit Experiment
Introduction Young’s double-slit experiment is a famous experiment in physics that demonstrates the wave nature of light and forms the basis of the concept of interference. It was first performed by the British scientist Thomas Young in 1801. The Experiment In Young’s double-slit experiment, a beam of light is shone through two closely-spaced slits onto…