What is Interference patterns: Definition and 34 Discussions

In physics, interference is a phenomenon in which two waves superpose to form a resultant wave of greater, lower, or the same amplitude. Constructive and destructive interference result from the interaction of waves that are correlated or coherent with each other, either because they come from the same source or because they have the same or nearly the same frequency. Interference effects can be observed with all types of waves, for example, light, radio, acoustic, surface water waves, gravity waves, or matter waves. The resulting images or graphs are called interferograms.

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  1. deadbeef

    I Interference Patterns & Photon Paths: Exploring the Double Slit Experiment

    Hi. As i understand in double slit experiment photon can arrive at slits through different paths (longer and shorter) and it would still show interference pattern. My question is - if there was some path cutting device in a way of photon (on longest path after length that photon arrive at...
  2. garthenar

    Intensity and Interference Patterns (double slit)

    I'm still on part a. I think that i may have the wrong equation for intensity. I'm not sure I'm using the right numbers for the "first minimum". I started with getting the wavelength λ=(ax)/D since the first minimum occurs at m = 0.5 I multiplied the distance to the first minimum by 2 to get...
  3. ChrisXenon

    Photographing diffraction grating interference patterns

    If I direct a laser pointer onto a diffraction grating and place a screen beyond it, I see a diffraction pattern - a line of dots - as expected. If I move the screen further away from the grating, the distance between the dots increases - again as expected. If I place a camera where the screen...
  4. A

    I What is “quantized momentum transfer” and can it account for interference patterns?

    In https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378437109010401, the author claims that the interference pattern obtained in the double-slit experiment does not need a wave description of matter, and can be accounted for by the "quantized momentum transfer" from the slits to the electron...
  5. fluidistic

    A The different interference patterns in the double-slit experiment

    I've read on page 107 of the pdf http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download;jsessionid=617AE275E5CECF5F0AFD69ACBC52141B?doi=10.1.1.205.6529&rep=rep1&type=pdf that . Thus it seems that there are three different interference patterns. 1: We do not try to detect the electron passing through the...
  6. J

    I Detecting Interference Patterns with Large Objects: The Double Slit Experiment

    Why is it so difficult to detect interference patterns with larger objects in the double slit experiment(e.g. bacteria)?
  7. P

    The Difference Between Diffraction And Interference Patterns

    I've recently come across this problem: Answer true or false. If light shines through 2 slits, will the diffraction pattern always be within the interference pattern. I don't understand this question, however. How can the interference and diffraction pattern be separated in this situation...
  8. C

    More slits, farther maxima of interference patterns, why?

    When observing interference patterns, one will notice that the maxima from a double slit are more intense and farther apart than the maxima of a single slit. Likewise, the maxima from a diffraction grating are more intense and farther apart than maxima of a double slit. Why is this? I...
  9. M

    How can I determine the length of a Multimode fiber?

    I have a step index SMS (single-multi-single mode fiber) with an equal lateral splicing offset at both junctions. Refractive indexes, offset and radius of cores are given. This device is fed by a broad-band source and the spectral response collected by an Optical Spectrum Analyzer is given...
  10. entropy1

    B Interference patterns of electrons vs. photons

    I understand that fermions are subject to the Schrödinger equation, but photons are not. I understand that interference patterns of electrons are governed by the Schrödinger equation, but with photons it is different. If I understand correctly, then what is the nature of this difference?
  11. S

    Is this mastering physics problem incorrect?

    Homework Statement [/B] This is the Diagram-The figure shows the circular wave fronts emitted by two wave sources. https://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1383558/3/21.EX26.jpg part B is the one with trouble it asks "Make a table with rows labeled P, Q, and R and columns labeled r1...
  12. D

    Circular interference from the equation of a hyperbola

    Hi all, I had a question that I can't seem to find an answer too. I was hoping people could point me in the right direction, or let me know if there is an "easy" method. It has to do with the classic example of two stones in water producing constructive and destructive interference...
  13. A

    What are the equations for interference patterns?

    Homework Statement http://puu.sh/bXBvW/361097a50c.png Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Not sure how to approach[/B]
  14. H

    Interference patterns in thin films

    Why the interference patterns are separated when there are many light beams transmit through the film? Thanks!
  15. H

    Analyzing Wave Interference Patterns

    I don't know if this would be considered a homework problem, so I hope I'm posting in the right place. I'm working through an independent learning course and just needs some help with the terminology in the book. It started expressing wavelengths in 1/2λ, and I can't find an explanation why...
  16. M

    Question about Interference Patterns in Kim Delayed Choice Eraser

    I've looked at the DCQE paper by Kim, et al (arXiv:quant-ph/9903047) but I was not able to follow the math leading to the calculation of the patterns R_01, R_02, R_03, and R_04. Specifically, I was hoping to understand the source of the pi phase shift between R_01 and R_02. Is there a property...
  17. M

    Quantum Eraser Interference Patterns

    I'm not clear as to how the overall interference pattern (or lack thereof) observed in the quantum eraser experiments (http://grad.physics.sunysb.edu/~amarch/ ) ends up being the same if the eraser is present or not present. My thinking follows. Say N entangled photons are sent through the...
  18. M

    Order of Dark Fringes: Understanding Interference Patterns

    See attachment please. After that, please point out, the order of the dark fringes. I mean I can't see where is m=0 dark fringe? Where to start? I want to know so I can know that radius enclosed by each fringe. Thanks.
  19. S

    Standing wave interference patterns on liquid metals

    Hi, first post, so take it easy on me, I've had an idea for producing metallic objects with high surface area for several years, but lack the necessary physics knowledge to act on it or, really, inclination (and money) to go through years of school to gain such. The idea is as follows: A...
  20. S

    Newbie Question - Double Slit Experiment - 'Interference Patterns'

    I am relatively new to QM and so have a couple of basic questions for you all. I understand that the double slit experiment creates an ‘interference pattern’. What bothers me, is that it seems like an assumption to me, that the pattern created could *only* have been made by two waves...
  21. S

    Analyzing wave interference patterns

    Hello, this is my first visit to PF. I have a question that I can tell isn't very difficult, but I can't seem get my head around it, maybe i just need to review my text and make an attempt tomorrow. Homework Statement Consider the point P in the following diagram. Analyze this diagram to show...
  22. jegues

    Thin Film Interference Patterns

    Homework Statement See figure attached. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Not too sure how to do this one. I tried thinking about what it was doing before the air was replaced with the liquid. With air, The first reflection would have no phase shift (glass...
  23. C

    Witnessing Colorful Interference Patterns with a Benham Top

    When i spin a benham top why do i see colors , Is this because of the dashed black lines , that i am now pulsing white light , so now the white light is out of phase and the red , green , yellow photons are interfering so i see colors , Is this is what is going on .
  24. P

    Wave Generation from Point Sources: Interference Patterns and Radio Aerials

    Hi Everybody! I have been wondering about wave generation from point sources, and interference. I have noticed that if several point sources are sited in a line much more than one wavelength long, a very directional interference pattern develops. The closer the sources and the longer the line...
  25. O

    How to observe interference patterns with a simple experiment?

    Hello guys, I need desperate help. I am googling an simple experiment that can observe interference patterns ? can someone help me out please?
  26. C

    Exploring Interference Patterns in Air Wedges

    Homework Statement It's not a specific question. It's more of a general knowledge. As you know, an air wedge forms when two glass plates have one ends meeting each other and the other ends opening up. Here's the diagram...
  27. E

    Could gravitational waves form interference patterns?

    If gravitational waves formed interference patterns, or just simply interfere as normal waves, couldn't that result in gravitational anomalies in absence of mass? Destructive interference could be thought of as negative gravity(dark energy), leading to expansive "forces", whilst constructive...
  28. G

    A way aroung determining which-paths in interference patterns?

    In Brian Greene's book 'The Fabric of the Cosmos' he introduces an experiment called the "delayed-choice quantum eraser". This was really a magnificent experiment at first sight but pretty unclear when I was done reading the results. The experiment basically goes like this: In each path that...
  29. N

    Diffraction and interference patterns

    In Young's double slit experiment, how come the interefernece pattern produced does not take into account single slit diffraction? Thanks
  30. W

    Sustained interference patterns

    Homework Statement In order to produce a sustained interference pattern by light waves from multiple sources, which of the following conditions is sufficient? a. the sources are coherent b. the sources are monochromatic c. no more than two sources are allowed d. three or...
  31. daniel_i_l

    Double Slit Experiment with Interference Patterns

    If you take the normal double slit experiment but shine light on one of the slits so that it's possible to tell which slit each electron went through (by detecting scattered photons) then the "fringes" disappear amd you get constant light. If before the scattered photons hit the photon detector...
  32. W

    What is the key requirement for producing interference patterns with light?

    Homework Statement What characteristic of light is needed to produce interference patterns? ( like the grainly pattern of light demonstrated in lab) The Attempt at a Solution ok,, so i missed lab and did a makeup so I never saw what is being described. I am guessing that the grainy...
  33. M

    Finding the Longest Wavelength for Interference Patterns

    I have a problem in which there are two radio broadcasting towers places a given distance apart (136 m). Each tower is broadcasting at the same frequency as the other one, but the frequency (or rather the wavelength is what I am concerned about) can be adjusted to alter the interference at a...
  34. A

    How do photons make interference patterns

    I understand that the consensus of opinion regards photons as particles. My difficulty is in picturing how particles can produce interference patterns, even if only one photon is involved? In the double slit experiment for instance?
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