- #1
Spar
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Is interference of incoherent waves possible?
Incoherent Waves: Interference Possible?
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter Spar
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the possibility of interference among incoherent waves, particularly in the context of water waves and optics. Participants explore the implications and characteristics of such interference, questioning its usefulness and the nature of energy redistribution in these scenarios.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose that interference of incoherent waves is indeed possible, citing examples from water waves.
- Others mention the Hanbury-Brown-Twiss effect in optics as a relevant phenomenon related to intensity correlations.
- A participant with sailing experience describes the concept of "rogue waves" and "confused seas" to illustrate how incoherent waves can interfere, suggesting that while the outcome may seem random, it is not truly random.
- There is a discussion about the visual appearance of interfering incoherent water waves, with some participants expressing skepticism about the interest or utility of the topic.
- Questions arise regarding energy redistribution during interference, with one participant challenging the assumption that interference can occur without it.
- A reference to a dissertation on energy redistribution in wave interactions is provided by a participant to support the inquiry into this aspect.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that interference of incoherent waves is possible, but there is no consensus on the implications, usefulness, or the specifics of energy redistribution during such interference.
Contextual Notes
Some assumptions about the nature of incoherent waves and their interference remain unexamined, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities surrounding energy redistribution.
- #2
Vanadium 50
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Possible? Sure. Not sure how useful or interesting, but sure. Think about water waves.
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Spar said:
If I understand you correctly, the answer is 'yes'. In optics, intensity correlations are often referred to as the Hanbury-Brown-Twiss effect.
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Speaking as a blue water sailor, I also say yes. In fact we have the phrase "rogue wave" for the case when several ocean waves from several directions interfere positively.
We also have the phrase "confused seas" for the case when multiple trains of waves arrive from different directions with different periods, amplitudes & phases. To the person riding in a small boat, it feels random. But it isn't really random.
We also have the phrase "confused seas" for the case when multiple trains of waves arrive from different directions with different periods, amplitudes & phases. To the person riding in a small boat, it feels random. But it isn't really random.
- #5
Spar
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Thank you.
And how do interfering incoherent water waves look like?Vanadium 50 said:
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Vanadium 50
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Spar said:
Wet.
This is what I meant by "not useful or interesting". There isn't a simple answer, and since there's not a simple answer, it's not terribly interesting.
- #7
- #8
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Spar said:
Yes
- #9
Spar
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anorlunda said:
But is there no energy redistribution?
Is interference without redistribution possible?
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- #10
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Spar said:
Are you sure? Here's a dissertation on that subject. ENERGY REDISTRIBUTION THROUGH TIDAL AND INERTIAL WAVE INTERACTION