| Themes > Science > Physics > Optics > The wave nature of light |
When we discussed the reflection and refraction of light, light was interacting with mirrors and lenses. These objects are much larger than the wavelength of light, so the analysis can be done using geometrical optics, a simple model that uses rays and wave fronts. In this chapter we'll need a more sophisticated model, physical optics, which treats light as a wave. The wave properties of light are important in understanding how light interacts with objects such as narrow openings or thin films that are about the size of the wavelength of light. Because physical optics deals with light as a wave, it is helpful to have a quick review of waves. The principle of linear superposition is particularly important. |
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