interference pattern

American  

noun

Physics.

1. a series of alternating dark and bright bands produced as a result of light interference.

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interference pattern Scientific  

1. An overall pattern that results when two or more waves interfere with each other, generally showing regions of constructive and of destructive interference. Optical interference patterns are analyzed in devices such as interferometers; the acoustic effect of beats is an example of an interference pattern.

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Etymology

Origin of interference pattern

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

When light passed through two narrow openings, the resulting pattern resembled the overlapping ripples produced when two stones fall into water, creating an "interference" pattern.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

In most moiré systems, the size of physical effects is determined directly by the interference pattern created when two crystal lattices overlap.

From Science Daily • Mar. 2, 2026

What happens to the interference pattern if a longer-wavelength light falls on the same grating?

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Figure 24.27 shows the interference pattern of two radio antennas broadcasting the same signal.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

As a result, the exposed film looks foggy, but close examination reveals a complicated interference pattern stored on it.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015