In the realm of physics, Physical Optics delves into the fascinating study of light and its behavior. This chapter explores the wave nature of light and its interaction with various optical elements. One fundamental concept within Physical Optics is the principle of interference, which explains how light waves combine and interact to create patterns of constructive and destructive interference.
This phenomenon plays a pivotal role in the formation of optical interference patterns, such as those observed in Young’s double-slit experiment. Furthermore, this chapter delves into diffraction, another essential concept, elucidating how light waves bend and spread when encountering obstacles or apertures. Understanding these optical phenomena is crucial for grasping the intricate behavior of light and forms the basis for various applications in optics and photonics.