Are there reflections in the fourth dimension?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of reflections in the fourth dimension, specifically exploring the implications of a "phase conjugate mirror" that could theoretically reflect electromagnetic radiation backwards in time. This concept suggests that such mirrors could render objects invisible by canceling their reflections. The conversation also touches on the mathematical definition of reflection as a linear map that alters one dimension while preserving others, emphasizing its applicability across multiple dimensions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic radiation and its properties
  • Familiarity with phase conjugate mirrors and their applications
  • Basic knowledge of linear algebra, particularly linear maps
  • Conceptual grasp of dimensions beyond the traditional three
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "phase conjugate mirrors" and their role in nonlinear optics
  • Explore the mathematical principles of linear maps and reflections in higher dimensions
  • Investigate military applications and research on invisibility technologies
  • Study the implications of time in physics, particularly in relation to electromagnetic phenomena
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, mathematicians, and engineers interested in advanced optics, theoretical physics, and the exploration of multidimensional concepts.

hydrostaticequil
Messages
0
Reaction score
0
If so what does the reflection look like?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
hydrostaticequil said:
If so what does the reflection look like?
Physicists refer to three dimensions of space and one of time usually. I am not sure what you mean by "reflection."
 
What do you mean by the fourth dimension?
 
Welcome to PF.
hydrostaticequil said:
If so what does the reflection look like?
How will you make the mirror?

A "phase conjugate mirror" might reflect EM radiation, back the way it came, in effect backwards in time. That would cause things that reflect light or radar to cancel with themselves, becoming invisible. There has been military research into the field of making things invisible, but I don't think there has been any real success.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonlinear_optics#Optical_phase_conjugation
 
Reply
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: PeroK
hydrostaticequil said:
If so what does the reflection look like?
I would define a reflection as a linear map that changes the sign in one dimension and keeps all other dimensions fixed. This is independent of the number of dimensions.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: DaveE

Similar threads

Graduate Interacting with the fourth dimension?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Physics inserted in society
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
763
Undergrad Not all reflections in 2D are 3D rotations?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Undergrad Are 1D Longitudinal Waves Reflected at an Open End?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Mirror system in geometrical optics
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Some questions regarding Acoustic wave reflection
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
High School Is imaginary time a fourth dimension?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Photo Contest - Total Reflection (11/17-11/23)
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Multiple reflections in a mirror system
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
539
Graduate Unexpected irregular reflection signal from a high-finesse cavity
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K