Can light be synthetically created ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of synthetically creating light by using alternating electric and magnetic fields. Participants explore theoretical setups involving these fields, their interactions, and the feasibility of generating such fields at frequencies corresponding to visible light.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using two sources to create alternating electric and magnetic fields that intersect at 90 degrees to produce light.
  • Another participant questions how to generate such alternating fields effectively.
  • A different participant suggests that an alternating electric field is not necessary since an antenna inherently produces an alternating magnetic field when an electric field is present.
  • One participant describes a thought experiment involving a rotating magnet and electric dipole, theorizing that this setup could create the desired fields at the frequency of visible light.
  • Another participant mentions that while rotating a magnet generates both electric and magnetic fields, they express uncertainty about the compatibility of the proposed fields with Maxwell's equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and methods of creating the necessary fields for synthetic light generation. There is no consensus on the compatibility of the proposed ideas with established physical laws.

Contextual Notes

Participants note challenges such as hysteresis, noise, and reactance when attempting to generate circuitry that oscillates at visible light frequencies. There are also concerns regarding the theoretical compatibility of proposed setups with Maxwell's equations.

shiveeshfoteda
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If I use two sources , one for alternating electric field ( frequency equal to the frequency of a wave in visible spectrum ) , one for alternating magnetic field (frequency equal to the frequency of a wave in visible spectrum ) and make them intersect each other at 90 degrees in mid air will i be able to see light in mid air ?
 
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shiveeshfoteda said:
If I use two sources , one for alternating electric field ( frequency equal to the frequency of a wave in visible spectrum ) , one for alternating magnetic field (frequency equal to the frequency of a wave in visible spectrum )
How would you make such fields?
 
You don't have to have the alternating electric field. In your antenna, the alternating electric field necessarily creates an alternating magnetic field.

Creating an antenna for lower frequency waves is not a problem, but as far as I know, no one has created any circuitry that oscillate with visible light frequency due to hysteresis, noise, and reactance problems.
 
i was thinking it to be a thought experiment , for example I'm rotating a magnet and an electric dipole (both kept at large distance ) , the axis of rotation of the magnet and the electric dipole is perpendicular to each other , and they are rotating with same angular frequency as the frequency of visible spectrum . So if i take a point in between these sources i'll be having an alternating electric field and an alternating magnetic field perpendicular to each other with frequency equivalent to the frequency of light .
 
shiveeshfoteda said:
for example I'm rotating a magnet
Rotating a magnet will produce an e-field as well as the b-field. That is how a generator works.

I don't know a way to produce the kinds of fields that you are talking about in the OP. I suspect that they are not compatible with Maxwell's equations, but I don't know for sure.
 

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