Coherent Sources - Definition, Example, Types, FAQs

Coherent Sources - Definition, Example, Types, FAQs

Vishal kumarUpdated on 17 Dec 2025, 12:16 AM IST

Light is a form of energy and a type of electromagnetic wave. The light that we can see is called visible light, and it has wavelengths from 400 nm to 700 nm. The Sun is the main source of light on Earth and helps in processes like photosynthesis and solar energy. When two light waves meet, they can mix with each other and produce patterns of brightness and darkness. This effect is called interference. To understand interference properly, we must learn about coherent sources of light. Coherent sources produce light waves that have the same wavelength and move together in a fixed way. In this article, we will learn about coherent sources, their properties, and why they are important in studying interference.

This Story also Contains

  1. What are Coherent Sources of light?
  2. Coherent Sources Example
  3. Properties of Coherent Sources
  4. What is Disruption?
  5. Application of the interference of coherent sources
Coherent Sources - Definition, Example, Types, FAQs
coherent sources

What are Coherent Sources of light?

If the sources have zero or continuous phase differences with the same quantity, then those two sources are junctions. Most of the surrounding light sources such as a bulb, sun, candle, etc. are a combination of several unconnected light sources. With parallel sources, the laser is a model, that is, many important sources within the laser are locked in stages. Two coherent sources of light can be obtained when they have exactly the same frequency and have zero phase difference.

Coherent sources of light: Definition

Coherent sources of light are two or more sources that emit light waves having the same frequency (or wavelength) and maintain a constant phase difference with each other over time.

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Coherent Sources Example

An example of a coherent light source is laser light. The light emitted by the laser has the same phase and frequency.

Another example of related sources is sound coherent waves. In the same difficulty and phase, electric signals travel from sound coherent waves.

Interference of light Examples:

One of the best examples of interference is demonstrated by the light reflected from a film of oil floating on water

Properties of Coherent Sources

  • Coherent sources emit light of the same frequency (or wavelength).
  • They maintain a constant phase difference with each other.
  • They produce a stable and clear interference pattern.
  • Coherent sources usually come from a single light source split into two parts.
  • Independent light sources are not coherent.
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What is Disruption?

Disruption occurs when two or more coherent waves of the same length and length meet.

Depending on the basis of wave propagation, when several wave disturbances pass a given area, the effect of the current effect is the amount of disturbance due to individual coherent waves.

Definition of Light Disruption

When two wavelengths of light are combined from different sources, the distribution of energy by a single wave is interrupted by another. This change in light distribution is called light disturbance, due to the resistance of two light coherent waves.

Types of Disruptions

Constructive disturbances and destructive disturbances are two types of light interference coherent waves depending on the colliding coherent waves.

Wave disruption: In this case, rhinos and the formation of both coherent waves will be formed to form a wave of equal size. The total volume of both coherent waves is known as the Construction Interference.

Disruptive Disruption: When both bumps collide in such a way that the split of the first wave collides with the second wave and the first wave collides with the second wave. After that, the ark and the crashing of both coherent waves will collide to form a wave.

The wavelength created will be equal to the difference in the width of both coherent waves. If the magnitude of the two coherent waves is the same, and after the disturbance, the amplitude is zero, this is known as the Destruction Interference.

How Can You Produce Coherent Resources?

Here are some ways to produce a consistent light source.

a. By splitting Wavefront

The front area can be divided into several sections. Can be applied using different lenses, glasses, and prisms are Young's double experiments, Lloyd's mirror layout, and Fresnel's way of flipping through other techniques.

b. By Dividing the Width

If the size of the incoming beam of light is separated, then a corresponding source can be formed. This can be done through a partial display or retrieval process. These separated parts continue to combine to create disruption.

Application of the interference of coherent sources

Interference of coherent sources is used in many important scientific and practical applications:

  • Measurement of Wavelength: Interference patterns are used to accurately measure the wavelength of light (e.g., Young’s double slit experiment).
  • Thin Film Interference: Used in soap bubbles, oil films, and anti-reflection coatings on lenses and spectacles.
  • Interferometers: Devices like the Michelson interferometer use interference to measure very small distances, refractive index, and wavelength.
  • Optical Testing: Used to test the flatness and quality of optical surfaces such as mirrors and lenses.
  • Holography: Interference of coherent light is used to create 3D images (holograms).
  • Noise Cancellation & Signal Processing: Interference principles help in reducing unwanted signals.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What Is Sustained Interference and condition for sustained interference when interference of light takes place?
A:

Interference of light definition: Interference models that correspond to areas of greater and less time are called continuous or permanent intervention patterns.

The conditions for interference for the implementation of the ongoing disruption can be stated as:

  • The two sources must be compatible
  • Two sources should be very small
  • Sources should be close together to form distinct and open edges.
  • Short-term continuous interference means continuous interference of light is evidence that (caused by random variance).
  • A concomitant source of monochromatic light (single wavelength) is required for two-dimensional experiments.
  • The idea is that you need a continuous phase interaction between light rays in order to detect a continuous disturbance pattern.
Q: What Are the Conditions of Light Disturbance?
A:

There are the following conditions for light wave interference: the wave source must be constant, emitting the same coherent waves and continuous phase difference. The wave must be monochromatic - it must be the same length.

Also, for further disruption, the following conditions are required:

  • Compatible light sources
  • The power and amplitudes must be approximately equal to produce a sufficient difference between the minimum and the maximum.
  • In order to be considered a point light source, the source must be small enough.
  • To produce wide edges, disturbing sources must be close to each other
  • To produce wide edges, the distance between screen and source and screen must be large
  • Sources should reflect light in the same state of separation.
  • Sources should be the same length.
Q: What are coherent sources of Sustainable Disorders?
A:

All EM coherent waves form disruptive patterns. Integrated sources create static patterns that can be easily explored. A laser is an obvious solution usually if you wish to have a visible light source. At some wavelengths, the radio feeds multiple antennas far causing similar interference patterns at a much higher rate.

Q: What Are the Situations of Constructive Distress?
A:

These are:

 Many coherent waves have to go together,

Most coherent waves have to be the same length, too

The coherent waves have to be separated. Some say that the light should be the same but that the disturbance only occurs with the corresponding light.

Q: Is the Sun the coherent sources?
A:

The sun is usually an inexhaustible source of light. However, sunlight can transmit a contact dot to a microscope image. Many luminous sources concern the spatial interaction (relative to angular size) and temporal interaction (relative to wavelength).

Q: Can Two Independent Sources Join?
A:

No, the two independent sources of light will never come together. When individual atoms return to earth, light is released. Even the smallest source of light cannot produce the same amount of light.

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