How Does Light Intensity Change When Two Laser Beams Cross?

AI Thread Summary
When two laser beams of different wavelengths and equal intensities cross at an angle, the intensity of the light from one beam is generally not affected by the presence of the other due to the principle of superposition in classical optics. The discussion highlights uncertainty about how to approach the problem of determining the intensity of light scattered from the 633 nm beam. It suggests that light beams do not interact in a way that would alter their intensities when crossing, as classical optics treats such interactions linearly. The conversation also touches on the lack of relevant context in lecture materials regarding light scattering. Overall, the problem requires an understanding of classical optics principles and the behavior of light in overlapping fields.
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Homework Statement


Two laser beams, one of wavelength 633 nm and intensity I1 = 4.00x106 W/m2 with a circular beam profile D1 = 1.33 mm in diameter, and one of wavelength 442 nm and intensity I2 = 4.00x106 W/m2 with the same circular beam profile are fired, crossing at an angle of θ = 45°. Determine the intensity of the light scattered out of the 633 nm beam.

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure on how to begin this problem. I was thinking, that because of when light crosses with another light beam, this beam shouldn't be affected at all, so I was thinking that the intensity should be the same (I highly doubt this argument is correct though). If not, then how could we determine light scattering in this aspect? How would light interact with each other in this case?

Thanks for your patience.
 
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Any context ? Relativity, electromagnetism, classical optics, introductory quantum mechanics, photon-photon scattering in high-energy physics?
 
BvU said:
Any context ? Relativity, electromagnetism, classical optics, introductory quantum mechanics, photon-photon scattering in high-energy physics?
Context is classical optics (I'm not sure which concept to apply here though).
 
Can't think of anything in classical optics or electromagnetism that scatters light with light: all is linear in the Maxwell equations and superposition holds. Perhaps that's what they want you to declare.
No clue in the lecture notes or anything ?
 
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