Physical Optics

Definition

Physical optics is the study of light as waves and how they interact with various materials and structures. It focuses on phenomena like interference, diffraction, and polarization.

Analogy

Think about dropping two pebbles into a pond at different locations. The resulting ripples overlapping and creating patterns represent interference in physical optics.

Related terms

Interference: Interference occurs when two or more waves combine either constructively (amplifying) or destructively (canceling) at certain points, leading to patterns of bright and dark regions.

Diffraction: Diffraction refers to the bending or spreading out of waves around obstacles or through narrow openings, causing them to spread out and create patterns.

Polarization: Polarization describes the orientation of electromagnetic waves in a specific direction due to filtering or scattering processes.