According to the van Cittert-Zernike theorem, the distribution of the degree of coherence on a plane illuminated by an incoherent grating-like source is similar to that of the amplitude of the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern which is produced by a diffraction grating of the same size and shape illuminated coherently. To verify this experimentally, double-slits of various separation are illuminated by a grating-like source, and the visibility of Young's interference fringes formed behind the double-slit is measured photographically. The presence of the periodic maxima and the small secondary maxima of the degree of coherence is confirmed, and, in general, experimental values are in good agreement with the theoretical prediction.
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