The interferometric visibility (also known as "interference visibility" or "fringe visibility" or just "visibility") quantifies the contrast of interference in any system which has wave-like properties, such as optics, quantum mechanics, water waves, or electrical signals. Generally, two or more waves are combined and as the phase between them is changed (e.g. in an interferometer) the power or intensity (probability or population in quantum mechanics) of the resulting wave oscillates (forming an interference pattern). The ratio of the size or amplitude of these oscillations to the sum of the powers of the individual waves is defined as the visibility.
Read more about Interferometric Visibility: Visibility in Optics, Visibility in Quantum Mechanics
Famous quotes containing the word visibility:
“My children have taught me things. Things I thought I knew. The most profound wisdom they have given me is a respect for human vulnerability. I have known that people are resilient, but I didn’t appreciate how fragile they are. Until children learn to hide their feelings, you read them in their faces, gestures, and postures. The sheer visibility of shyness, pain, and rejection let me recognize and remember them.”
—Shirley Nelson Garner (20th century)