Electric Field demonstration

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the interaction between coherent light, such as that from a laser, and a uniform electric field. Participants explore the theoretical implications of this interaction, particularly in the context of a science project involving optics demonstrations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to understand the necessary knowledge for modeling the interaction between coherent light and an electric field.
  • Another participant states that two electromagnetic fields superimpose without influencing each other, suggesting that one beam of light can pass through another without interaction.
  • A different viewpoint indicates that coherent light beams will pass through each other unless they are in exact opposite phase, which could lead to cancellation effects.
  • A later reply corrects a previous statement about phase interactions, clarifying that cancellation occurs when wavelengths are exactly out of phase.
  • One participant emphasizes that coherent light will bend in the presence of a strong electric field, although another challenges the feasibility of achieving such conditions with current human technology.
  • There is a speculative notion about the potential of creating lens systems using vacuum and radio waves.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interaction of coherent light with electric fields and the conditions under which light beams may influence each other. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the practical implications of these interactions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations related to the phase of wavelengths and the strength of electric fields that can be produced, indicating that practical applications may be constrained by current technological capabilities.

That_0ne_Guy
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I'm a high school senior interested in completing a science project. I'm wondering what knowledge is necessary for me to understand the interaction between coherent light( like a laser) and a uniform electric field with the ultimate goal of constructing a model. The project will be a type of optics demonstration, but this one aspect is a giving me trouble.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Well the standard answer is that two electromagnetic fields superimpose (i.e., add) without influencing each other. In layman's language, one beam of light will go right through another beam of light without any interaction. Same for static fields.
 


They will pass through one another as long as their wavelengths are not in exact phase with one another. It is difficult to achive exact phasing of wavelengths from two (or more) sources, however, it can happen. If they are in phase with one another, they will try and cancel each other out, usually resulting in some sort of static interferance or noise. The wavelength with the most power will usually win.
 
After rereading my reply, I realized I made a mistake. I said in it "as long as their wavelengths are not in exact phase with one another" when I should have said ' as long as their wavelengths are not in exact oposite phase with one another'.

Sorry about the mixup. I tend to get backwards at times.

If the wavelengths are exactly out of phase with one another, then they will try and cancel each other out.

Think Safe.
 
Two beams of light interacting with each other? I thought the question was with regards to a coherent light source interacting with an electric field.
The coherent light will bend in the presence of a strong electric field.
 
Originally posted by pallidin
Two beams of light interacting with each other? I thought the question was with regards to a coherent light source interacting with an electric field.
The coherent light will bend in the presence of a strong electric field.

Not in any electric field humans can produce! But wouldn't it be cool if we could make lens systems out of nothing but vacuum and radio waves.
 

Similar threads

High School Electric Flux - confused about integrating over a tilted area
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad How can electrons flow all the way through the circuit?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Graduate Electron speed and acceleration in an electric field
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
High School Experiment issues (electromagnetism)
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
4K
Graduate The electric field in an expanding, statically-charged tube
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Iron core barely boosting field strength
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
8K
Undergrad Do electric fields really exist?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Undergrad Operational Reality of E field? (Bridgman)
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Engineering Specialization in Electrical Engineering - Looking for Direction
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Admissions Plasma Physics PhD from an EE undergrad
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K