coherence of light beams
1Coherence (physics) — In physics, coherence is a property of waves that enables stationary (i.e. temporally and spatially constant) interference. More generally, coherence describes all properties of the correlation between physical quantities of a wave. When… …
2coherence — /koh hear euhns, her /, n. 1. the act or state of cohering; cohesion. 2. logical interconnection; overall sense or understandability. 3. congruity; consistency. 4. Physics, Optics. (of waves) the state of being coherent. 5. Ling. the property of… …
3Optical coherence tomography — Intervention Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) image of a sarcoma MeSH …
4optics — /op tiks/, n. (used with a sing. v.) the branch of physical science that deals with the properties and phenomena of both visible and invisible light and with vision. [1605 15; < ML optica < Gk optiká, n. use of neut. pl. of OPTIKÓS; see OPTIC,… …
5laser — /lay zeuhr/, n. Physics. a device that produces a nearly parallel, nearly monochromatic, and coherent beam of light by exciting atoms to a higher energy level and causing them to radiate their energy in phase. Also called optical maser. [1955 60; …
6Laser — For other uses, see Laser (disambiguation). United States Air Force laser experiment …
7Mathematics and Physical Sciences — ▪ 2003 Introduction Mathematics Mathematics in 2002 was marked by two discoveries in number theory. The first may have practical implications; the second satisfied a 150 year old curiosity. Computer scientist Manindra Agrawal of the… …
8holography — /heuh log reuh fee/, n. the process or technique of making holograms. [1795 1805; HOLO + GRAPHY] * * * Method of recording or reproducing a three dimensional image, or hologram, by means of a pattern of interference produced using a laser beam.… …
9Optical interferometry — combines two or more light waves in an optical instrument in such a way that interference occurs between them. Early interferometers used white light sources and also monochromatic light from atomic sources (e.g., Young s double slit experiment… …
10Coherent states — In quantum mechanics a coherent state is a specific kind of quantum state of the quantum harmonic oscillator whose dynamics most closely resembles the oscillating behaviour of a classical harmonic oscillator. It was the first example of quantum… …
