Understanding Light as Wave Doubts

In summary, the conversation discusses doubts about light as a wave in the context of solid state and optics experiments. The person asks about the representation of a light wave and its spatial frequency mode, as well as the concept of Brilloiun zone and Bragg reflection. They also inquire about the difference between plane waves and spherical waves.
  • #1
russel.arnold
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Doubts from "light as wave"

Hi all

I am a undergrad and in a week or so i || be performing basic solid state and optics experiments. I want u to clear my following doubts.

1. when we say that a light-wave can be written as A(x,y,z) exp(ikxx + kyy + kzz). What does it mean? I mean to ask what kx,y,z represent. Do they represent the angle with some plane at which it is propagating( if yes , which plane? )

2. When we say " spatial frequency mode of a light" what do we mean

3. How can i imagine Brilloiun zone wrt real space? What are the high symmetry points of a brilloiun zone and how it can be converted to irreducible brilloiun zone( eg ..1st brilloiun zone).

4. What is bragg reflection. How in a periodic medium it do not allow some spatial frequency modes to propagate through the medium?
 
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  • #2
5. What is difference between plane wave and spherical wave. How can i relate them to each other.Thanks in advance
 

Related to Understanding Light as Wave Doubts

1. What is light as a wave?

Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that behaves like a wave. This means that it has properties such as wavelength, frequency, and amplitude, which are characteristic of all waves.

2. How does light travel as a wave?

Light travels through space as a transverse wave, meaning that its oscillations occur perpendicular to the direction of its motion. This allows light to travel through a vacuum, unlike other types of waves that require a medium to propagate.

3. Can light exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behaviors?

Yes, light can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behaviors. This is known as the wave-particle duality of light, which is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics.

4. How does light interact with matter as a wave?

As a wave, light can interact with matter through a process called interference. This occurs when light waves interact with each other, either constructively or destructively, producing patterns of light and dark regions. This phenomenon is used in many applications, such as diffraction gratings and holograms.

5. How do scientists measure light as a wave?

Scientists use a variety of tools and techniques to measure light as a wave. One common method is to use a spectrometer, which separates white light into its component colors and measures their wavelengths. Another method is to use a diffraction grating, which produces a pattern of diffracted light that can be analyzed to determine the wavelength of the light.

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