|
|
| Wavefront |
|
|
A wavefront is a surface or line in the path of wave motion on which the disturbances at every point have the same phase. |
|
|
Depending upon the source of light, wavefronts can be of three types: spherical wavefront, cylindrical wavefront and plane wavefront. |
|
Spherical Wavefront :
|
|
If a point source in an isotropic medium is sending out waves
in three dimensions, the wavefronts are spheres centered on
the source as shown in figure. Such wavefront is called a
spherical wavefront. |
|
|
|
Cylindrical Wavefront :
|
|
When the source of light is linear, all the points equidistant from the linear source lie on the surface of a cylinder as shown in figure. Such a wavefront is called a cylindrical wavefront.
|
|
|
|
Plane Wavefront :
|
|
At a large distance from a source of any kind, the wavefront will appear plane as shown in figure. Such a wavefront is called plane wavefront. |
|
|
|
