Optical Interference
Optical interference occurs when two or more light waves overlap and combine, resulting in a new wave pattern. This phenomenon can create areas of increased brightness, known as constructive interference, or areas of reduced brightness, called destructive interference. It is commonly observed in everyday life, such as in soap bubbles or oil slicks, where colorful patterns appear due to the varying thickness of the film.
The principles of optical interference are essential in various applications, including thin-film coatings on glasses and camera lenses, which enhance light transmission and reduce glare. Additionally, interferometry is a technique that uses interference patterns to measure small distances or changes in surface profiles with high precision.