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Van Cittert–Zernike theorem

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The van Cittert–Zernike theorem, named after physicists Pieter Hendrik van Cittert and Frits Zernike, is a formula in coherence theory that states that under certain conditions the Fourier transform of the intensity distribution function of a distant, incoherent source is equal to its complex visibility. This implies that the wavefront from an incoherent source will appear mostly coherent at large distances. Intuitively, this can be understood by considering the wavefronts created by two incoherent sources. If we measure the wavefront immediately in front of one of the sources, our measurement will be dominated by the nearby source. If we make the same measurement far from the sources, our measurement will no longer be dominated by a single source; both sources will contribute almost equally to the wavefront at large distances.

Van Cittert–Zernike theorem - Wikipedia Jump to content From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Formula used in radio astronomy This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page . ( Learn how and when to remove these messages ) This article may be confusing or unclear to readers . Please help clarify the article . There might be a discussion about this on the talk page . ( February 2011 ) ( Learn how and when to remove this message ) This article includes a list of general references but lacks corresponding inline citations . Please help improve th

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