What are Coherent Sources?
Coherent sources are those sources that generate waves having a constant phase relationship with one another which in turn implies that the crests and the troughs of the waves stay in proper alignment with each other. The coherence sources can also be regarded as “in step” waves.
Characteristics of Coherent Sources
The following are the characteristics of coherent sources:
- The waves have a constant phase difference over time.
- The waves have a fixed frequency and wavelength.
- These waves are characterized by the fact that they have a constant amplitude and a direction of propagation.
- The waves are monochromatic – that is, they have a single well-defined frequency.
- The waves are spatially and temporally correlated, meaning they have a fixed relationship in space and time.
Examples of Coherent Sources
- LASER
- MASER (Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation)
- Certain types of radio transmitters.
Coherent and Incoherent Addition of Waves
Coherent and Incoherent addition of waves are used in various fields of physics like acoustics, optics, and quantum mechanics. The waves adding up with each other can interfere either constructively or destructively, depending upon their phase differences and amplitudes. This phenomenon is known as the superposition of waves, which results from the coherent or incoherent addition of waves.
Table of Content
- What is the Superposition of Waves?
- What are Coherent Sources?
- What are Incoherent Sources?
- Derivation of Coherent and Incoherent Addition of Two Waves
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