Diffraction/Interference

diffraction

-The bending of a wave as it moves around an obstacle or passes through a narrow opening -any bending of a wave by means other than reflection or refraction

example of coherent light

Lasers

LASER - what does each letter stand for?

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation

example of incoherent light

Regular light bulb, sunlight, basically all light but laser light

interference

The interaction between waves that meet.

destructive interference

The interference that occurs when two waves combine to make a wave with a smaller amplitude

constructive interference

The interference that occurs when waves combine to make a wave with a larger amplitude.

interference pattern with laser light through double slits

alternating light / dark / light / dark

incoherent light

can contain more than one wavelength and its electromagnetic waves are not aligned

which phenomena are enhance by diffraction?

communication signals - TV, Radio, Cell Phones

interference patter with white light through a diffraction grating

dispersion of white light into all colors of the spectrum ROYGBIV

What type of image uses laser light and diffraction gratings as "film"?

holograms

coherent light

light in which waves have the same wavelength, and the crests and troughs are lined up

which wavelengths diffract better?

longer wavelength diffract better

which phenomena are detracted by diffraction?

microscopy, sonar, radar

examples of iridescence

soap bubbles, gasoline film on water, CD's, peacock feathers, hummingbird feathers

iridescence

the quality of exhibiting rainbow-like colors, brilliant appearance which are produced by interference when light is reflected off of unique surfaces

diffraction depends on:

the wavelength of the wave and the size of the opening or barrier