Wave Optics
PHYS 310 · Module 3
This module treats light as a wave and explains phenomena that ray optics cannot fully describe. Students study Huygens' principle, double-slit interference, diffraction gratings, and single-slit diffraction.
Lessons in this module
Huygens' principle
Huygens' principle models every point on a wavefront as a source of secondary wavelets. This lesson uses it to explain reflection, refraction, and diffraction conceptually.
Young's double-slit experiment
Young's double-slit experiment demonstrates interference of light. This lesson derives fringe conditions, fringe spacing, and the wave interpretation of bright and dark bands.
Diffraction gratings
A diffraction grating uses many closely spaced slits to produce sharp interference maxima. This lesson explains grating equations, spectral separation, resolving power, and applications.
Single-slit diffraction
A single slit produces a diffraction pattern because different parts of the slit interfere. This lesson derives minima, central maximum width, and the connection to resolution.
Ask your AI physics guide
Ask anything about Optics and Light — Wave Optics, or choose a suggested question below.
AI responses are educational and may not be perfectly accurate. Press Enter to send, Shift+Enter for new line.