Wavefront

A wavefront is a surface joining points in a wave that share the same phase. Its shape and motion describe how the wave propagates through space.

Phase (waves): Phase is the position within a wave cycle, measured relative to a reference point or time. A wavefront groups together points with the same phase.
Interferometry: Interferometry measures wave properties by combining waves and analyzing their interference. Interference patterns reveal differences between wavefronts.
Wave: A wave is a disturbance that propagates through space or a medium, transporting energy and momentum. A wavefront is a geometric feature of a propagating wave.
Plane wave: A plane wave has planar surfaces of constant phase and propagates in a uniform direction. It is the simplest wavefront geometry.
Wave vector: A wave vector specifies a wave’s direction of propagation and spatial frequency. In a uniform medium, it points perpendicular to the wavefront.
Wavefront sensor: A wavefront sensor measures the spatial phase or slope of an optical wavefront. It converts wavefront shape into measurable data.
Wavelength: Wavelength is the distance between corresponding points on successive cycles of a wave. It sets the spatial scale over which a wave’s phase repeats.
Spherical wave: A spherical wave has spherical surfaces of constant phase centered on a point source. It contrasts with planar wavefronts produced far from a source.
Huygens–Fresnel principle: The Huygens–Fresnel principle models each point on a wavefront as a source of secondary wavelets. It predicts a new wavefront from the current one.
Adaptive optics: Adaptive optics corrects distortions in an incoming wavefront using adjustable optical elements. Astronomical systems reshape wavefronts distorted by atmospheric turbulence.

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