What type of light is typically considered incoherent?

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Incoherent light refers to light in which the phases of the electromagnetic waves are random and do not maintain a fixed relationship with one another. This type of light typically has a wide spectrum of wavelengths and produces a more diffused output.

LED light is classified as incoherent because it emits light that contains a broad spectrum of wavelengths and does not exhibit a consistent phase relationship across its output. This means that the light produced is less focused and more scattered compared to coherent light sources like lasers. Laser light, by contrast, is coherent, characterized by its monochromaticity, directionality, and phase correlation, which allows it to produce a focused beam with specific properties.

Natural sunlight, while also incoherent, encompasses a broad spectrum and is not typically specified in the context of technological applications like LEDs. Infrared light can be emitted from coherent sources, but generally refers to the range of wavelengths rather than the coherence of the light itself. Hence, in the context of the question, LED light stands out as the clear example of incoherent light.

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