nichtkohärent

Nichtkohärent describes a state or quality that lacks coherence or logical connection. In a scientific context, particularly in physics, it refers to a lack of a fixed phase relationship between different parts of a wave or between different waves. For example, light from a typical incandescent bulb is noncoherent because the photons emitted have random phases. This is in contrast to coherent light, such as that produced by a laser, where the waves are in phase and can interfere constructively.

The term can also be applied more broadly to describe ideas, arguments, or narratives that are disjointed or inconsistent. A noncoherent argument might jump between unrelated points, lack a clear central theme, or present contradictory statements. Similarly, a noncoherent story might have plot holes, character inconsistencies, or a confusing sequence of events. The opposite of noncoherent is coherent, which implies a unified, logical, and understandable structure. Understanding the concept of noncoherence is important for analyzing the structure and reliability of information across various disciplines, from physics and optics to linguistics and logic.