coherent light: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialized)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “coherent light” mean?
Light in which the waves are all in phase with each other, producing a single wavelength and minimal divergence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Light in which the waves are all in phase with each other, producing a single wavelength and minimal divergence.
Light with consistent, organized wave properties, allowing it to stay focused over long distances and produce interference patterns. Often used metaphorically to describe ideas, plans, or communication that are logically consistent and clear.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling remains the same.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency in scientific contexts in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “coherent light” in a Sentence
[noun] emits coherent light[adjective] coherent light is used for [application][verb] to produce coherent lightVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coherent light” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The apparatus was designed to cohere the light from the lamp.
- The team succeeded in cohering the light source for the first time.
American English
- The laser system coheres light with extreme precision.
- They are working on a new method to cohere ambient light.
adverb
British English
- The light was shining coherently from the laser cavity.
- The waves propagated coherently across the medium.
American English
- The photons were emitted coherently.
- The system is designed to operate light coherently.
adjective
British English
- The coherent light source was crucial for the hologram.
- They observed a highly coherent light emission.
American English
- A coherent light beam is needed for the fiber optic link.
- The process requires temporally coherent light.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically used to describe a clear and logical business strategy: 'The new CEO laid out a coherent light of action for the next quarter.'
Academic
Core term in physics, optics, and engineering papers: 'The experiment required a source of coherent light for interference measurements.'
Everyday
Rare. Might be used for humorous or exaggerated emphasis: 'Her explanation wasn't exactly coherent light.'
Technical
Precise term describing electromagnetic radiation with specific wave properties: 'Coherent light is essential for holographic data storage.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coherent light”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coherent light”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coherent light”
- Using 'coherent' to mean simply 'bright' or 'strong' light. Coherence refers to the wave property, not intensity.
- Confusing 'coherent light' with 'coloured light' or 'polarized light'. They are different properties.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, sunlight is incoherent light. It is composed of many different wavelengths (colours) and the waves are not in phase with each other.
The primary application is in lasers, which are used in everything from surgery and barcode scanners to optical communications and industrial cutting.
Not directly by just looking at the beam. The difference becomes apparent in its behavior, such as its ability to stay focused over long distances and create sharp interference patterns.
Conceptually, yes. Both imply consistency, logical connection, and order. In light, it's about wave phases; in an argument, it's about ideas flowing logically.
Light in which the waves are all in phase with each other, producing a single wavelength and minimal divergence.
Coherent light is usually technical/scientific in register.
Coherent light: in British English it is pronounced /kəʊˈhɪərənt laɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈhɪrənt laɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As coherent as a laser beam (metaphorical extension).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a choir singing in perfect unison (coherent) versus people chatting in a crowd (incoherent). Coherent light is like the choir: all the light waves 'sing' the same note in sync.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLARITY IS LIGHT / ORDER IS ALIGNMENT. A coherent argument 'sheds light' on a topic because its points are 'aligned' like coherent light waves.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of coherent light?