Physical optics is a branch of optics that focuses on the wave nature of light and its interactions with matter. Unlike geometrical optics, which primarily deals with the propagation of light in terms of rays and prisms, physical optics examines phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and polarization, which cannot be adequately explained by ray optics alone. Key concepts in physical optics include: 1. **Wave Nature of Light**: Light is treated as a wave, which means it is subject to wave phenomena.
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Physical optics treats light as a wave, retaining wave amplitude, wave phase and polarization to explain wave interference and diffraction. It predicts how a finite aperture spreads a beam and why overlapping paths can become brighter or darker than either contribution alone.
A pair of illuminated slits makes the distinction from geometrical optics concrete. Ray paths identify the openings and approximate propagation directions, while the relative wave phase determines the fringes on a screen. Reducing optical coherence can wash out those fringes without blocking either path. Physical optics is therefore essential when predicting optical resolution and interferometric signals, even when ray tracing correctly predicts the main image position.