Difference between temporal and spatial coherence

In summary, coherence refers to the correlation between two phases. It can be perfect, meaning the two phases are perfectly correlated, or perfectly incoherent, meaning they are completely uncorrelated. Spatial coherence refers to the correlation between points in space, while temporal coherence refers to the correlation between points in time. This can be further explored in the Wikipedia article on coherence in physics.
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ppy
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Hi,

I am confused about the difference between temporal and spatial coherence. I know coherence is when the waves have the same wavelength.

An explanation in simple terms would be great thanks :)
 
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Drakkith said:
Have you checked out this wikipedia article?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coherence_(physics )

Clicking on the link gets a page not found and the reason is the closing ) is somehow defined outside of the url tags.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coherence_(physics)
 
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Coherence describes the degree of correlation between two phases. Perfect coherence = perfectly correlated, means knowing one phase allows you to deduce the other with infinite precision. Perfect incoherence = perfectly uncorrelated, means knowing one phase gives no information whatsoever about the other phase (i.e. it is statistically random).

Spatial coherence is correlated phase between two points in space.

Temporal coherence is correlated phase between two points in time.

Claude.
 
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Hi there,

Temporal coherence refers to the consistency of a wave's wavelength over time. This means that the wave maintains a constant frequency and phase relationship as it propagates through space. In other words, the wave maintains its shape and pattern as it moves through time.

On the other hand, spatial coherence refers to the consistency of a wave's wavelength over space. This means that the wave maintains a constant frequency and phase relationship at different points in space. In other words, the wave maintains its shape and pattern as it moves through different locations.

To put it simply, temporal coherence is about the consistency of a wave over time, while spatial coherence is about the consistency of a wave over space. Both are important concepts in understanding the behavior of waves and their interactions with different materials. I hope this helps clarify the difference between the two. Let me know if you have any other questions. Keep curious!
 

FAQ: Difference between temporal and spatial coherence

What is the definition of temporal coherence?

Temporal coherence refers to the degree of correlation between the phases of a wave at different points in time. In other words, it describes how consistent the wave is over time.

What is the definition of spatial coherence?

Spatial coherence refers to the degree of correlation between the phases of a wave at different points in space. It describes how consistent the wave is across different spatial locations.

How are temporal and spatial coherence related?

Temporal and spatial coherence are both measures of the consistency of a wave. They are related in that a wave with high temporal coherence also tends to have high spatial coherence, and vice versa. This means that the phases of the wave are consistent both over time and across different spatial locations.

What are some examples of temporal coherence?

Examples of temporal coherence include laser light, which has a very narrow range of frequencies and a consistent phase relationship between waves, and sound waves produced by a tuning fork, which have a consistent frequency and phase relationship.

What are some examples of spatial coherence?

Examples of spatial coherence include diffraction patterns produced by a laser beam passing through a narrow slit, which have a consistent phase relationship across the pattern, and radio waves produced by an antenna, which have a consistent phase relationship over a large area.

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