Modern Coherence Theory of Light

빛의 간섭성 이론

The coherence properties of electromagnetic fields are reviewed, based on both the classical and quantum theories. The elementary concepts, employed frequently in the discussion of interference phenomena, are summarized. The well-known interference phenomena are described in terms of second-order coherences. The coherence theory in space-frequency domain is introduced and the coherent mode representation is presented. The generation and propagation of coherence of light are analysed and it is shown that the coherence of light is developed as light propagates. The quantum theory goes parallel with the classical theory, via the optical equivalence theorem. There are, however, certain nonclassical characteristics of light, which may not be easily understood in classical therms. These nonclassical phenomena are believed to originate from the particle aspects of light. The quantum effect on the interfernce phenomena is analysed and finally the outlook of the future research is briefly mentioned.