Wave Detective.

Position z is measured in wavelengths and field values are normalized by amplitude A. Time is slowed for inspection. In the polarization view, Eᵧ/A = sin(2πz − τ) and Eₓ/A = e cos(2πz − τ), where e is the second-component ratio. The helix connects field-vector tips at one instant. Its circular slices show the vector’s possible directions over time. The magnetic field is omitted from this view; this is not a photon trajectory.

The interference view returns to a single, shared linear polarization. Its waves are y₁/A = sin(2πz − τ) and y₂/A = r sin(d·2πz − τ + φ), where d = +1 or −1. Adding them gives a local peak amplitude R/A = √[1 + r² + 2r cos((d − 1)2πz + φ)]. The white trace is the instantaneous sum; the shaded envelope is ±R. Opposing equal waves have stationary nodes separated by half a wavelength. Co-propagating equal-frequency waves have the same combined amplitude at every position.

The game always uses opposing waves. A target’s meter is R/(2A), relative to the largest possible amplitude with two equal waves. Marker brightness follows that meter; it is not a calculation of electromagnetic energy density or net energy flux. A quiet target must be at or below 4%; an active target at or above 98%. Scoring evaluates the full-cycle amplitude, so pausing at a zero crossing cannot solve a mission. Each target contributes equally, up to 100 points per mission. You can retry without a penalty. Progress lasts for this visit.

The uniform-amplitude, one-dimensional waves have identical frequency and coherent phase. No boundaries, damping, diffraction, transient propagation, or measurement collapse are simulated. The geometric transition changes the view; the interference stage deliberately changes the physical setup.