phase coherence

Phase coherence refers to the consistent, synchronized timing of waves or oscillations, such as light or sound waves. When waves are phase-coherent, their peaks and troughs align in time, allowing them to interfere constructively or destructively in predictable ways. This property is crucial in technologies like lasers, where the waves must maintain a constant phase relationship to produce a sharp, focused beam. In essence, phase coherence ensures that waves are working together in harmony, leading to stable and well-defined interference patterns, which are essential for precise measurements, communication, and imaging.