Wave Optics

Every point on a wavefront acts

Every point on a wavefront acts as a source of secondary wavelets. The envelope of these wavelets at any later time gives the new wavefront position.

Superposition of two coherent light waves

Superposition of two coherent light waves results in redistribution of energy creating bright and dark fringes. Constructive interference occurs when

Bending of light around edges

Bending of light around edges of obstacles or apertures when their size is comparable to wavelength of light. Single-slit diffraction produces central

Phenomenon where light vibrations are confined

Phenomenon where light vibrations are confined to a single plane perpendicular to direction of propagation. Unpolarized light becomes plane polarized

Splitting of white light into constituent

Splitting of white light into constituent colors when passing through a prism due to wavelength-dependent refractive index. Red light (longer waveleng