Does Coherent Light Waves Frequency Matter?

In summary, for coherent light waves to have a constant phase difference, they must also have the same frequency. However, light waves with the same frequency may not necessarily be coherent if they have different spatial coherence or temporal coherence. This means that a highly temporally coherent source, such as a laser, may have low spatial coherence, while a distant star may have high spatial coherence but low temporal coherence. Ultimately, coherence is a statistical measure of the field and requires both frequency and spatial considerations.
  • #1
west
3
1
does coherent LIGHT waves with a constant phase difference MUST have the same frequency?

what about LIGHT waves with the same frequency only? will it be not coherent??
 
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  • #2
Coherence is a statistical measure of the field. The two major 'limits' are temporal coherence, related to frequency spread, and spatial coherence, related to the size of the source. So, it's very possible to have a highly temporally coherent, spatially incoherent source (most lasers have this type of radiation), or highly spatially coherent and tempoerally incoherent radiation (distant stars).
 
  • #3
err so may i know what you are trying to say? i can't catch your words...maybe a direct answer to those questions would be better

TQ
 

1. Does the frequency of coherent light waves affect their energy?

Yes, the frequency of coherent light waves directly affects their energy. As the frequency increases, the energy of the light waves also increases. This is known as the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength, as described by the equation E = hf, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is frequency.

2. How does the frequency of coherent light waves impact their color?

The frequency of coherent light waves determines their color. The visible light spectrum ranges from low frequency (red) to high frequency (violet). As the frequency increases, the color of the light shifts from red to orange, yellow, green, blue, and finally violet at the highest frequencies.

3. Can the frequency of coherent light waves be changed?

Yes, the frequency of coherent light waves can be changed through a process called frequency modulation. This can be achieved by using special materials such as crystals or by applying an electric field to change the speed of the light waves, thereby altering their frequency.

4. How does the frequency of coherent light waves affect their ability to travel through materials?

The frequency of coherent light waves plays a significant role in their ability to travel through materials. Higher frequency light waves have shorter wavelengths, which allows them to pass through materials with smaller gaps between atoms. This means that high frequency light waves, such as gamma rays, can easily penetrate solid materials, while lower frequency light waves, like radio waves, are better at passing through obstacles like walls.

5. Is there a limit to the frequency of coherent light waves?

Yes, there is a theoretical limit to the frequency of coherent light waves, known as the Planck frequency. This frequency is approximately 1.854x10^43 Hz and is the highest frequency that can exist in the universe according to the laws of physics. At this frequency, the wavelength would be so small that it would be impossible to measure. However, this frequency is far beyond what is currently achievable with technology.

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