Coherent Source and Incoherent Coherent Source
Coherent Sources are those which produce waves of same frequency, same wavelength and same phase. They are significant in producing highly focussed and directional beam of light. On the other hand, Incoherent Sources are those which produce waves of different phase, different frequency and different wavelengths. Let’s have a look on the difference between the two types of waves producing soources
Difference between Coherent and Incoherent Source
The difference between Coherent and incoherent source is tabulated below:
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Coherrent Source vs Incoherent Source |
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Coherent Source |
Incoherent Source |
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Emits waves of a constant and fixed phase relationship that align peaks with troughs. |
Emits waves which have no definite or varying phase relationships between peaks and troughs. |
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Allows to create foreseeable interferences when interacting with other waves or materials. |
Does not have interference patterns consistent enough, therefore limiting the use of this method for precise measurements or requiring a controlled application. |
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Crucial for high precision tasks and technologies like interferometry, lasers, advanced optical systems. |
It is prevalent in everyday lighting sources such as regular light bulbs where phase consistency does not matter. |
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It also emanates a sharp and narrow beam, thereby increasing efficiency in uses such as medical operations and communication networks. |
More often has a wider range of wavelengths than coherent ones such as lasers. |
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Enables smooth and dependable data transmission with minimal signal loss. |
Somewhat randomly or vaguely radiating light waves. |
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Includes medical interventions used for accurate surgeries, treatments and diagnostic methods. |
It is not suitable for applications in which high precision or controlled interference patterns are required. |
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Has a central role in scientific study areas such as optics, quantum mechanics and materials science for controlled experiments. |
There are many natural light sources such as the sun or incandescent objects that emit incoherent light because of random phase relationships. |
Coherent Source
Coherent Source is the source of waves that produce waves with the same frequency, same wavelength, and constant phase or constant phase difference. Coherent Sources are important in wave optics as they provide conditions for interference of waves to produce highly focussed and directional beam of light.
In this article, we will learn about coherent source, its types, characteristics, how to produce coherent source, its application and difference between coherent and incoherent source in detail.