CasebyCase: Halfing the amplitude of light

In summary, there is a desire to reduce the amplitude of a light wave in one case while leaving it unchanged in others. This could potentially be achieved using passive nonlinear optics techniques such as Kerr lenses or saturable absorbers, which are commonly used in the generation of femtosecond pulses. Further research in this area may provide insight and potential solutions for designing a hi-speed device to achieve this goal.
  • #1
renrut13
1
0
Is there a way to reduce the amplitude of a light wave to half its value in one case and do nothing in the other cases?

Three Cases:

Case A: Light amplitude input is 2 - reduce to 1 on output (cut in half)
Case B: Light amplitude input is 1 - output is 1 (do nothing/pass through)
Case C: Light amplitude input is 0 - output is 0

I would like to design a hi-speed device that would allow this to occur. By hi-speed I mean instantaneous or without converting to/from any electronics. I can almost envison a possibility where you have some kind of photon absorbing medium that doesn't kick in until a certain intensity is reached. Does anyone have any insight or could point me into a(ny) direction with this?
 
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  • #2
Broadly, look into passive nonlinear optics.
 
  • #3
Both Kerr lenses and saturable absorbers can be employed to do this. See how femtosecond pulses are generated.
 

1. What is "CasebyCase: Halving the amplitude of light"?

"CasebyCase: Halving the amplitude of light" is a scientific concept that refers to reducing the strength or intensity of a light wave by half.

2. How is the amplitude of light measured?

The amplitude of light is measured by the distance from the center of the wave to its peak or trough. It is usually represented by the letter "A" and is measured in units of length, such as meters or nanometers.

3. Why would you want to halve the amplitude of light?

Halving the amplitude of light can be useful in certain experiments or applications where a lower intensity of light is needed. It can also be used to reduce the amount of energy or heat generated by a light source.

4. Can the amplitude of light be halved multiple times?

Yes, the amplitude of light can be halved multiple times. Each time it is halved, the intensity of the light wave is reduced by half of its previous value.

5. Is "CasebyCase: Halving the amplitude of light" a reversible process?

Yes, halving the amplitude of light is a reversible process. It can be reversed by increasing the amplitude of the light wave to its original value.

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