Fuego
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Pardon the pun, but what's the difference between path difference and phase difference (when talking about interfering light waves)?
The discussion centers on the differences between path difference and phase difference in the context of interfering light waves. Participants explore the definitions and implications of these concepts, including their mathematical relationships and the effects of varying conditions such as refractive index.
Participants express differing views on the relationship between path difference and phase difference, with some suggesting they are equivalent under certain conditions while others highlight complexities that arise in specific scenarios. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nuances of these concepts.
Participants acknowledge that variations in refractive index and wave focusing can complicate the relationship between path and phase difference, indicating that assumptions about uniformity may not hold in all cases.
bootsam said:Path difference is the distance one wave (from a coherent source) has to travel from its source to the observer. ie one observers ear may receive the crest and the other ear receive the trough. this would give a path difference of 1/2 wavelength.
Phase difference is best understood by considering a cosine wave and a sine wave. they are 90degrees out of 'synch' with each other and would produce destructive interference.
i hope someone with more brains than me can clarify your quandary. I think i am corect but i am sure someone here can be more specific.