Physics > Wave Optics > 1.0 Introduction
Wave Optics
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Wavefronts
1.2 Huygens Principle
1.3 Interference of light
1.4 Intensity distribution
1.5 Phase difference
2.0 Young's double slit experiment
3.0 Diffraction of light
4.0 Polarisation
1.5 Phase difference
1.2 Huygens Principle
1.3 Interference of light
1.4 Intensity distribution
1.5 Phase difference
The phase difference between two waves at a point will depend upon,
1. The difference in path lengths of the two waves from their respective sources.
Phase difference is, $$\Delta \phi = \left( {\frac{{2\pi }}{\lambda }} \right)\left( {\Delta x} \right)$$
2. Refractive index of the medium.
3. Initial phase difference between the sources if any.
4. Reflections if any in the path followed by the waves.
Path difference in the above situation is given by, $$\Delta x = {x_1} - {x_2}$$
- When the wave is reflected from a denser medium surface, there is a phase change of $\pi $ or $180^\circ $
- No phase change occurs if it is reflected from a rarer medium surface.
