Can Light Be Trapped Between Mirrors and Is There Energy Loss?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the possibility of trapping light between mirrors, referencing principles such as total internal reflection and considering potential energy losses associated with this setup. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical limitations related to mirror technology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether light can be trapped between mirrors, suggesting that perfect angles are necessary for light to remain contained.
  • Another participant notes that current mirror technology results in energy losses due to imperfections, which prevent light from reflecting indefinitely, although they acknowledge that theoretically trapping light might be possible.
  • A follow-up inquiry asks how mirrors would need to be arranged to make trapping light theoretically feasible.
  • A participant provides a link to a resource that may relate to the topic, although it is unclear how it directly addresses the original question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of trapping light, with some asserting that it is not possible due to practical limitations, while others suggest that theoretical possibilities remain unexplored. The discussion does not reach a consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to current mirror technology and the assumptions about perfect conditions required for trapping light. There are unresolved questions regarding the specific arrangements of mirrors that could theoretically allow for light trapping.

abc007
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can we trap light?

hi every body
i read about Optical fiber and how light is reflecting inside wire by the principle of Total internal reflection and I wonder, is it possible to trap light between mirrors and if yes,then is it going to be an energy losses ??
:confused:
 
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I don't think we can trap light because there can't be perfect angle so that light could come in and don't come out
 


Between normal mirrors that we can produce with todays technology, there will always be losses, you can see this when you hold two mirrors opposite each other, in theory the reflections should go on for ever, but in practice they curve away due to imperfections in the mirror.

However, I don't think that there is anything (theoretically) stopping someone from trapping light in that way.
 


Thank you for replying

but how the mirror will arrange to make it theoretically possible ?
 

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