Circuit Response to Gamma Rays

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between gamma rays and atomic nuclei, and the challenges in designing a circuit that is resonant at a frequency near the gamma ray range. The concept of impedance phase and amplitude, and their relationship to the position and momentum of an electron, is also mentioned. The question of whether a probability distribution is needed to compute the transient response for a single square pulse is raised, and it is suggested that this may be related to the solution of the wave equation. The concept of measuring with a faster circuit and the potential limitations due to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) are also mentioned. Finally, the idea that the HUP may only be a problem in extremely low current situations is brought up.
  • #1
cosmicjello
1
0
Hello.

Gamma rays are about same wavelength as the diameter of an atomic nucleus. If one was to design a circuit that was resonant at a frequency near that range (say 300,000,000,000,000 MHz), the resonant frequency would not be far from an electron wavelength, so the impedance phase and amplitude (perhaps like the position and momentum of the electron, because the phase gives the velocity (or derivative) of a sine wave if one knows the starting amplitude) cannot both be found at the same time. If one wanted to compute the transient response for a single square pulse, would one need a probability distribution? That is, is it related to a solution of the wave equation?

Perhaps it could be measured with a circuit that was even faster (the sampling theorem), but then the testing circuit would also be subject to the same problem in the design phase, and the testing circuit of that one, etc.

To be honest, I’m not even sure this question makes sense, yet there seems to be such a relationship between standing waves of a very fast circuit and the standing waves of electron shells - there might be some frequency at which quantum mechanics comes into play.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
cosmicjello said:
Hello.

Gamma rays are about same wavelength as the diameter of an atomic nucleus. If one was to design a circuit that was resonant at a frequency near that range (say 300,000,000,000,000 MHz), the resonant frequency would not be far from an electron wavelength, so the impedance phase and amplitude (perhaps like the position and momentum of the electron, because the phase gives the velocity (or derivative) of a sine wave if one knows the starting amplitude) cannot both be found at the same time. If one wanted to compute the transient response for a single square pulse, would one need a probability distribution? That is, is it related to a solution of the wave equation?

Technically this would always be true for any circuit. One can't measure position and velocity simultaneously, as would be necessary for current, for each electron. However, the uncertainty involved is small relative to important quantities. When dealing with O(10^23) electrons, small variations will tend to cancel out.

cosmicjello said:
Perhaps it could be measured with a circuit that was even faster (the sampling theorem), but then the testing circuit would also be subject to the same problem in the design phase, and the testing circuit of that one, etc.

The HUP is theoretical, sampling theorem won't help you.

I think the HUP would only be a problem dealing with extremely low current situations, say 20 electrons in a ring of O(10^-10) meters.
 
  • #3


Hi there,

I find your question and observations very interesting. It is true that gamma rays have a wavelength similar to the diameter of an atomic nucleus, and designing a circuit that is resonant at a frequency near that range would certainly be a challenge. The relationship between standing waves of a circuit and electron shells is indeed intriguing, and it is possible that there may be some frequency at which quantum mechanics comes into play.

In terms of computing the transient response for a single square pulse, it is possible that a probability distribution may be needed. This is because the behavior of electrons, which are fundamental particles, cannot be precisely determined at any given moment due to the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics. This principle states that the position and momentum of a particle cannot be known simultaneously with certainty.

As for the solution of the wave equation, it is certainly related to the behavior of electromagnetic waves, including gamma rays. However, the behavior of electrons in a circuit is also affected by other factors such as the materials used and external influences, so it may not be a direct solution.

Overall, your thoughts and observations raise interesting questions about the relationship between circuit response and gamma rays, and it would be worth exploring further in future research. Thank you for sharing your insights.
 

1. What are gamma rays?

Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation with a high frequency and short wavelength. They are produced by the decay of radioactive atoms and are used in various fields such as medicine, industry, and research.

2. How do gamma rays affect circuits?

Gamma rays have high energy and can ionize atoms, causing disruption in electronic circuits. This can lead to malfunctions or damage to the components of the circuit.

3. How do circuits respond to gamma rays?

Circuits respond to gamma rays by detecting the increase in voltage caused by the ionization of atoms. This can trigger alarms or shut down the circuit to prevent further damage.

4. What measures can be taken to protect circuits from gamma rays?

Shielding materials, such as lead or concrete, can be used to block gamma rays from reaching the circuit. Additionally, circuit designs can incorporate protective features, such as surge protectors, to minimize the impact of gamma rays.

5. Can circuits be designed to detect and utilize gamma rays?

Yes, specialized circuits can be designed to detect and measure gamma rays, such as those used in medical imaging or nuclear power plants. These circuits use sensors and amplifiers to convert the gamma ray signals into measurable data.

Similar threads

  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
30
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
15
Views
953
Replies
7
Views
993
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
731
Back
Top