How Far Do Light Interference Patterns Extend in Space?

This distance may vary depending on the specific setup and conditions. In summary, the interference pattern from two points emitting light in phase with each other will occur throughout space but the intensity will decrease as you move away from the points, and after a few micrometers, it will no longer be distinguishable from the background noise.
  • #1
kahwawashay1
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Say you have two points that are close to each other emitting light in phase with each other, such as in the diagram below

518b9e3d-5a6e-41cb-aa7d-ef061790403e.gif


Will the interference pattern that results occur all throughout space (all along x and y and z directions), or is there some distance from the points after which there is no more dark/bright spots? My book's answer is that after a few mircometers on the x-axis there's no more dark spots...?
 
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  • #2
The interference pattern will occur throughout space in all directions. However, because the points are close to each other, the intensity of the interference pattern decreases as you move away from the points. After a few micrometers, the intensity of the interference pattern will be so low that it will be indistinguishable from the background noise and no longer appear as dark or bright spots.
 

1. What is interference of light?

Interference of light is a phenomenon that occurs when two or more light waves meet and combine in the same space. This results in a new wave with a different amplitude, intensity, and direction of propagation.

2. How does interference of light occur?

Interference of light occurs when two or more light waves overlap and their amplitudes combine. This can be either constructive, where the amplitudes add up, or destructive, where the amplitudes cancel each other out.

3. What are the types of interference of light?

There are two types of interference of light: constructive interference and destructive interference. Constructive interference occurs when the amplitudes of the overlapping waves add up, resulting in a wave with a higher amplitude. Destructive interference occurs when the amplitudes cancel each other out, resulting in a wave with a lower amplitude.

4. What are some real-life examples of interference of light?

Interference of light can be observed in many everyday phenomena, such as in the colors produced by soap bubbles, oil slicks, and thin films. It also plays a role in the colorful patterns seen in peacock feathers, butterfly wings, and certain minerals.

5. How is interference of light used in practical applications?

Interference of light is utilized in various technologies, such as in the creation of holograms, optical coatings for lenses, and in fiber-optic communication. It is also used in scientific research to study the properties of light and to understand the behavior of electromagnetic waves.

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