physical optics

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noun

the branch of optics concerned with the wave properties of light, the superposition of waves, the deviation of light from its rectilinear propagation in a manner other than that considered by geometrical optics, the interaction of light with matter, and the quantum, corpuscular aspects of light.

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Compare diffraction, interference, quantum optics.

Origin of physical optics

First recorded in 1825–35

Words nearby physical optics

physical jerks, physically, physically challenged, physical medicine, physical meteorology, physical optics, physical pendulum, physicals, physical science, physical therapy, physician

How to use physical optics in a sentence

But his researches in physical optics constitute his chief title-deed to immortality.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 1|Various
As to the mechanics of the thing, it could only be explained to you by a course of lectures on physical optics.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 467, December 13, 1884|Various
There is a phenomenon well known in physical optics as "Haidinger's brushes."
Scientific American Supplement, No. 467, December 13, 1884|Various
Physical optics, on the other hand, has for its ultimate object the elucidation of the question: what is light?
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 16, Slice 5|Various

In connection with this matter, the history of physical optics contains an interesting little episode.
Curiosities of Light and Sight|Shelford Bidwell