Could a Light-Transmitting Antenna Revolutionize Communication?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating a light-transmitting antenna, exploring the similarities and differences between light and radio waves, and the implications of coherence in antenna theory. Participants examine theoretical and practical aspects of transmitting light through antennas, including the technologies involved and the nature of electromagnetic radiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is possible to build a transmitter that operates in the light range, suggesting that light might propagate from such an antenna.
  • Another participant argues that radio waves behave differently from optical light due to their longer wavelengths, which affects how they propagate and interact with their environment.
  • A participant mentions that traditional radio antennas cannot produce light frequencies efficiently, indicating that different technologies are required for various ranges of electromagnetic radiation.
  • Several participants suggest that light bulbs and laser diodes serve as examples of devices that emit light, but there is contention regarding the nature of antennas and coherence in radiation.
  • One participant introduces the concept of coherence, linking it to antenna theory and the transformation of electromagnetic fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of creating a light-transmitting antenna, with some asserting that traditional antennas cannot achieve this while others propose alternative technologies. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the coherence requirements and the definitions of antennas in the context of light transmission.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various technologies and concepts, such as coherence and the limitations of traditional antennas, without reaching a consensus on the implications for light transmission.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying electromagnetic theory, antenna design, and the practical applications of light in communication technologies.

Farn
If light is just an EM phenomena like radio waves (with more energy) would it be possible to build a transmitter that transmits in the light range? If you were to do this, would you see light that just seems to propagating from the antenna?
 
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If you could see in radio light, you'd look up at an antenna and see an odd fuzzy, pulsing light.

Radio waves do not behave like optical light however, due to their longer wavelength -- radio waves bend around things, diffract through large openings, and generally don't behave in the straight-line fashion you're used to light behaving in. It would be weird indeed to have radio eyes.

To answer your question, it is impossible to build a normal radio transmission antenna that can produce light frequencies. The technique of jiggling electrons in a wire (an antenna) becomes very inefficient in the microwave region. People use different technologies to generate each of microwaves, light, ultraviolet, x-ray, and gamma radiation. No one technology can produce them all. (Not yet, anyway.)

- Warren
 
Somewhere I read:
"The antenna for light is called an atom".
 
It's called a light bulb.

JMD
 
Nonono - radiation must be coherent from an antenna

Plus it must work 2-way. Ever seen a lightbulb convert light into electricity?
 
Last edited:
It's called a light bulb.

anybody heard of laser-diodes? The ones used in CD-players...
 
Originally posted by mmwave
Is this related to coherence as an assumption in a working antenna?
Yes. Antenna theory has to do with the Fourier-transform of the e.m. field. You can transform only pure (coherent) states, not mixed states.
 

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