How well can we 'see' at different wavelengths?

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In summary, there are various methods for 'seeing' things, such as light, infrared, laser, ultrasound, and magnetic field. A comprehensive table is requested to list the pros and cons, limitations and advantages, and how distinctive each method can be, as well as the materials they can see. The relationship between the wavelength of light and the size of the object that can be resolved by that light is important to consider. However, this may not apply to modern scanning probe methods like near-field microscopy, which can use microwaves to study surfaces with nanometer resolution. These methods are optical in nature, using collected light as the signal, and are distinct from atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy. Magnetic force microscopy, a version of
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physea
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Hello! There are various methods to 'see' things. Light, infrared, laser, ultrasound, magnetic field, etc.
Is there a comprehensive table that will list the pros and cons, limitations and advantages, how distinctive each method can be (ie can distinguish 1mm or 1nm?), what materials they can see etc?
Thanks!
 
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Look up the relationship between the wavelength of the "light" and the size of the object that can be resolved by that light.
 
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Regarding the title change, I am not sure if wavelengths are always involved, eg in magnetic field?
 
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CWatters said:
Look up the relationship between the wavelength of the "light" and the size of the object that can be resolved by that light.

This does not work if you include modern scanning probe methods in microscopy; specifically near-field microscopy which makes it possible to even use microwaves to study surfaces with nm resolution. The spatial resolution is (mainly) only limited by the size of the tip used to scatter the light.
Near-field methods like SNOM, NSMM etc are quite widely used these days .

Note also that these methods are really optical; your signal is really the collected light; meaning they are distinct from say atomic force microscopy(AFM) or scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)
 
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physea said:
Regarding the title change, I am not sure if wavelengths are always involved, eg in magnetic field?

Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) which is essentially one (of many) version of atomic force microscopy senses the force from the magnetic interaction between sample and tip directly. Hence, there is no wavelength involved.
 

Related to How well can we 'see' at different wavelengths?

1. How does wavelength affect our ability to see?

As humans, we are able to see a range of wavelengths, which we perceive as different colors. Shorter wavelengths, such as blue and violet, have higher frequencies and are more easily scattered by particles in the atmosphere, making them more difficult for us to see. Longer wavelengths, such as red and orange, have lower frequencies and are less easily scattered, making them more visible to us.

2. Can we see all wavelengths of light?

No, we cannot see all wavelengths of light. Our eyes are only sensitive to a narrow range of the electromagnetic spectrum, known as the visible spectrum. This range includes wavelengths of light from approximately 400 to 700 nanometers.

3. How do other animals see at different wavelengths?

Other animals may have different ranges of sensitivity to wavelengths of light. For example, some animals, such as bees, can see ultraviolet light, which is invisible to humans. Others, such as snakes, can see infrared light, which is also invisible to humans. These differences in sensitivity to wavelengths of light are due to variations in the structure and function of their eyes.

4. How do scientists study wavelengths of light that we cannot see?

Scientists use specialized instruments, such as telescopes and spectrometers, to study wavelengths of light that are not visible to the human eye. These instruments can detect and measure different wavelengths of light, allowing scientists to study and understand the properties and behaviors of light at these wavelengths.

5. How can our ability to see at different wavelengths be useful?

Our ability to see at different wavelengths is incredibly useful in many aspects of our lives. For example, it allows us to distinguish between different colors and perceive depth and contrast. It also helps us to navigate our environment and make sense of the world around us. Additionally, our ability to see at different wavelengths has allowed us to develop technologies, such as infrared cameras and X-ray machines, which have numerous applications in fields such as medicine and astronomy.

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