Derivation about the wave interference

In summary, the conversation discusses the integration of a single wave and the average energy change that can be observed. The calculation involves triangular identity and approximation, leading to the result that only the average energy change can be observed. The conversation then moves on to a more complex case involving two waves, and the integration leads to a result that does not indicate the sign of bright and dark patterns. The question is raised about whether this is due to an incorrect approximation or integration, and whether there are any circumstances where interference can be detected.
  • #1
christang_1023
27
3
Starting from the simple case, there is a single wave ##e=a\cos(2\pi ft+\frac{2\pi}{\lambda}x+\phi_0)##, and integrate in such a way, where ##T_{eye}## stands for the response time of human eyes' response time towards energy change:
$$I=\int_{0}^{T_{eye}}e^2dt$$
The calculation includes triangular identity and approximation(i.e. there is a part ##\frac{\sin(a)-sin(b)}{4\pi f}\approx 0##, due to ##f>>2##). The result of the integration is ##I\approx \frac{1}{2}a^2T_{eye}##, showing that we can only observe the average energy change of a wave.

Then, I consider a more complex case in which there are two waves, ##e_1=a_1\cos(2\pi ft+\frac{2\pi}{\lambda}x+\phi_0),e_2=a_2\cos(2\pi ft)##.
$$I=\int_{0}^{T_{eye}}(e_1+e_2)^2dt$$,
After expanding it, ##I=\frac{1}{2}(a_1^2+a_2^2)T_{eye}+\int_{0}^{T_{eye}}2(e_1e_2)dt##. Concerning the integration, I use the same approximation mentioned above, such that ##\int_{0}^{T_{eye}}2(e_1e_2)dt\approx 0##.

Finally, I get ##I=\frac{1}{2}(a_1^2+a_2^2)T_{eye}##, which doesn't indicate the sign of bright and dark pattern.

Is there anything wrong with my approximation or integration?
 
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  • #2
You seem to have a wave traveling in the x direction and a wave that isn't travelling. Is this a circumstance you would expect to lead to visible interference? Or, indeed, one you would expect to exist at all?

Under what circumstances would you expect detectable interference?
 
  • #3
Ibix said:
You seem to have a wave traveling in the x direction and a wave that isn't travelling.
Yes. this is a strange model.
The value of the second 'oscillation' is independent of position so can it be a wave?
 
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