Interference and Diffraction Phenomena

This lecture covers the interference and diffraction phenomena of electromagnetic waves, explaining how waves propagate, interfere, and diffract. The instructor discusses the principles of interference, coherence, and diffraction, illustrating how waves behave in various scenarios. The lecture delves into the Huygens-Fresnel principle, wave packets, and the energy distribution of waves over distance. The instructor also touches on the implications of coherent and incoherent sources on interference patterns, emphasizing the importance of phase consistency for observing interference. Additionally, the lecture explores the diffraction effects of light passing through slits of different sizes, showcasing how wave behavior changes based on the geometry of the obstacles encountered.