1bobwhite Posted May 16, 2010 Share Posted May 16, 2010 In the electromagnetic spectrum, as frequency increases, at what point do photons start being detected? And further beyond the ultraviolet, are they still photons? Are photons detected in the microwave region for example? How is light being the defined without photon action? Bob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
insane_alien Posted May 16, 2010 Share Posted May 16, 2010 its always photons. from zero hertz(well, as close as is possible) to infinite hertz(as close as is possible.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swansont Posted May 16, 2010 Share Posted May 16, 2010 Anytime you have a situation where you detect a single quantum of energy, it's a photon. Classically, it's an oscillating electromagnetic field. I seem to recall a discussion which confirmed the longest wavelength of a single-photon detection, but I can't find it ATM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1bobwhite Posted May 17, 2010 Author Share Posted May 17, 2010 insane_alien, Concerning your reply, At what point are these other frequencies responsive to optics such as a prisms or lenses? We know radio frequencies respond to surfaces and their contours such as parabolic dishes, and aircraft shapes, but where in the spectrum is the transition point where they start to respond to transparent optical materials. We know some materials are transparent to some frequencies, but opaque to others; the atmosphere being the example. Bob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shyvera Posted May 17, 2010 Share Posted May 17, 2010 The visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum is in the frequency range from about 4×1014 Hz (red) to about 8×1014 Hz (violet), if that’s what you mean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
insane_alien Posted May 17, 2010 Share Posted May 17, 2010 bob, they always undergo optical effects. it's just that for some frequencies most materials have such a low refractive index that to construct a lense would require such an immense size as to be impractical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C.MacSwell Posted May 17, 2010 Share Posted May 17, 2010 bob, they always undergo optical effects. it's just that for some frequencies most materials have such a low refractive index that to construct a lense would require such an immense size as to be impractical. You could try playing "swat the photon", by moving a lens fast enough toward it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now