Huygens' principle
Secondary wavelet method
Huygens' principle is a method for analyzing wave propagation: every point on a wavefront acts as a source of secondary wavelets, and the new wavefront is the envelope of all these wavelets.
The principle explains reflection, refraction, and diffraction of light and sound waves.
Using Huygens' principle, we can predict how waves bend around obstacles.
Surface of equal phase
- apertureAdjustable optical inlet
- bendingCurving from straight
- edgesOuter limits or boundaries
- slitNarrow elongated opening
Fresnel · obstacle · wavelength · grating · pattern · resolution
Small oscillation on surface
- secondary sourcesMaterials analyzing original records
- envelopeFolded paper enclosure
- point sourceZero-dimensional emission location
- propagationAct of spreading widely
Coexisting in multiple states
- wavefrontsLoci of equal phase
- constructivePromoting positive development
- destructiveCausing severe harm
- phase shiftChange in wave timing
coherence · fringes · nodes · interferometer · crest · trough · amplitude
Curving from straight
- mediumMiddle size or state
- transmissionSending of information
- boundaryLine marking a limit
- angle of incidenceIncoming direction relative to perpendicular
wavefront
Surface of equal phase
slit · Fresnel · obstacle · wavelength · grating · pattern · resolution
wavelet
Small oscillation on surface
- secondary sourcesMaterials analyzing original records
- envelopeFolded paper enclosure
- point sourceZero-dimensional emission location
propagation · wave theory · medium · reconstruction · emanation
superposition
Coexisting in multiple states
- wavefrontsLoci of equal phase
- constructivePromoting positive development
- destructiveCausing severe harm
phase shift · coherence · fringes · nodes · interferometer · crest · trough · amplitude
bending
Curving from straight
- mediumMiddle size or state
- transmissionSending of information
- boundaryLine marking a limit
angle of incidence · glass · water · prism · lens · interface
- opticslens, lenses, mirror, mirrors, prism
- light physicsphoton, refraction, diffraction, wavelength, polarization
Huygens' principlecorpuscular theory
Light composed of particles