Interference

Constructive and destructive interference

Description

Interference
Image credit: Dr. Schorsch

Interference
Image credit: Florian Marquardt

The overlap of two or more wave of light to form a new wave pattern. Interference can be constructive, where the amplitude of the two waves add to form a greater signal, or destructive, where the overall amplitude of the two waves is less than the sum of the individual components. A Moiré pattern is an example of interference.

Synonyms and Related Terms

interferens (Dan., Sven.); Interferenz (Deut.); interferencia (Esp.); interférence (Fr.); interferentie (Ned.); interferencja (Pol.); interferência (Port.);

Resources and Citations

• Walter C. McCrone, John Gustave Delly, The Particle Atlas, W. McCrone Associates, Chicago, IV, 1972

• Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interference (Accessed Sept. 20, 2005)