3 Examples of jobs related to the interference of light

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion identifies three careers related to the interference of light: Holography, Forensic Science, and Optical Interferometry. Holography is utilized in various industries, including banking for anti-counterfeiting measures. Forensic scientists employ polarized light microscopes to analyze evidence, while Optical Interferometry is crucial in metrology for precise measurements. The conversation clarifies that Optical Physics is indeed a legitimate career path, despite initial confusion regarding its classification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light interference principles
  • Familiarity with Holography applications
  • Knowledge of Optical Interferometry techniques
  • Basic concepts of Forensic Science methodologies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the applications of Holography in various industries
  • Explore the role of Optical Interferometry in metrology
  • Investigate the use of polarized light microscopes in forensic analysis
  • Learn about the career paths available in Optical Physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students exploring careers in physics, professionals in optical engineering, and individuals interested in the practical applications of light interference in various fields.

LionLieOn
Messages
45
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find 3 careers that are in some way related to the interference of light. Give a brief description of each career.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



My examples are X-ray Technician, Photonics Engineering and Optical Physics.

My question is, is optical physicist/physics and actual career? I'm not to sure as it sounds more like a course/class than a career (I don't mean to sound offensive, I'm just uneducated in the world of physics careers. I hope you can understand.)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
LionLieOn said:

Homework Statement


Find 3 careers that are in some way related to the interference of light. Give a brief description of each career.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



My examples are X-ray Technician, Photonics Engineering and Optical Physics.

My question is, is optical physicist/physics and actual career? I'm not to sure as it sounds more like a course/class than a career (I don't mean to sound offensive, I'm just uneducated in the world of physics careers. I hope you can understand.)
Optical physicist is certainly a career, but your 3 answers don't seem right to me.

The question asks specifically about interference of light, not just light in general. What technologies use the interference of two light (or other EM) beams? I can think of a few. Think of the technologies first, and then you can figure out what careers/jobs involve their use. :smile:
 
berkeman said:
Optical physicist is certainly a career, but your 3 answers don't seem right to me.

The question asks specifically about interference of light, not just light in general. What technologies use the interference of two light (or other EM) beams? I can think of a few. Think of the technologies first, and then you can figure out what careers/jobs involve their use. :smile:

Ohh you're right!

Hmmm can you clarify what EM stands for? I have an idea what it might stand for but I just want to make sure (Electro magnetic? )

What do you think about Electrical Engineering, Optometry and Ophthalmology?
 
LionLieOn said:
Ohh you're right!

Hmmm can you clarify what EM stands for? I have an idea what it might stand for but I just want to make sure (Electro magnetic? )

What do you think about Electrical Engineering, Optometry and Ophthalmology?
Yes, EM just means electromagnetic. Although re-reading your OP, it does appear that they want to constrain it to light frequencies, and not microwaves, for example.

The careers you list may indeed work with the interference of light, but they are way to broad. I doubt that you will have your answer marked as correct if you post such broad career categories.
berkeman said:
What technologies use the interference of two light (or other EM) beams? I can think of a few.
Start by answering this question. What technologies involve the interference of light? You could even try a Google Images search on Interference of Light to see if that helps you to get started... :smile:
 
berkeman said:
You could even try a Google Images search on Interference of Light to see if that helps you to get started...
And then what other search terms should you add into find instruments that use the interference of light? :smile:
 
Do you think about Holography, Photography and Lighting engineers?
 
LionLieOn said:
Holography
That's one! (not so much the other two) But Holography is an application that uses the interference of light. What career might use Holography?
 
berkeman said:
That's one! (not so much the other two) But Holography is an application that uses the interference of light. What career might use Holography?

Hmmm wouldn't banks use holography to prevent counterfeiting money I would put banks

CD/DVD use holography to play the songs/ movies
Game consoles would be another one too but I guess that would fit along side CD/DVDs

So to sum it up, Mints/Banks and CD/DVD/ Video game industry
 
LionLieOn said:
Hmmm wouldn't banks use holography to prevent counterfeiting money I would put banks
That sounds like a good example of a career that uses light interference. :smile:
LionLieOn said:
CD/DVD use holography to play the songs/ movies
I don't think that is true, but I could be missing something.

What other light interference applications did you find beyond Holography? There are some pretty cool ones that could earn you extra points if you can find them...
 
  • #10
berkeman said:
That sounds like a good example of a career that uses light interference. :smile:

I don't think that is true, but I could be missing something.

What other light interference applications did you find beyond Holography? There are some pretty cool ones that could earn you extra points if you can find them...

Hmm would everyday stores count? I mean bar code scanners use lasers to scan the bar codes of items.

I think this is a good one, I thought of it when I thought of the bank- counter fit money,

Home land security-the creation of passports. We can't have counterfeit passports going around as that would cause a lot of danger.
 
  • #11
LionLieOn said:
Hmm would everyday stores count? I mean bar code scanners use lasers to scan the bar codes of items.

I think this is a good one, I thought of it when I thought of the bank- counter fit money,
AFAIK, barcode scanners do not use interference.
LionLieOn said:
Home land security-the creation of passports. We can't have counterfeit passports going around as that would cause a lot of danger.
Again, I would look for other applications beyond holography. There are a number of other applications of light interference that are not holography.

What did you find in your Google Images search of Interference of Light and its uses in Instruments?
 
  • #12
berkeman said:
AFAIK, barcode scanners do not use interference.

Again, I would look for other applications beyond holography. There are a number of other applications of light interference that are not holography.

What did you find in your Google Images search of Interference of Light and its uses in Instruments?

I got a lot of "Light source, double slit screen etcetc" images, a camera lens, and a polarized light microscope
 
  • #13
LionLieOn said:
polarized light microscope
That's a good 2nd application. What careers would use this instrument?
 
  • #14
berkeman said:
That's a good 2nd application. What careers would use this instrument?
Ahh forensic scientists!
 
  • #15
LionLieOn said:
Ahh forensic scientists!
Interesting, I did not know that. :smile:
 
  • #16
berkeman said:
Interesting, I did not know that. :smile:

Haha neither did I until today.

So I guess to sum things up, Holography, Forensic Science,

Should I add in the Bank/Mints as my 3rd example?
 

Similar threads

Applications of Interference of Light Waves
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Undergrad New interpretation for the double slit experiment with light?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Interference in Thin Films: Grade 12 Optics Review
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
Graduate When should I analyze optical problems using ray tracing vs. wavefront analysis?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
Physics What to do After Graduating with a Physics BS?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
6K
Undergrad Constructive Interference of Light
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Diffraction Grating and White Light Problem
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K
Maximum/minimum reflection | Thin-film interference
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Getting into an engineering career with no degree...
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Sound Wave Interference Problem
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K