Compressing Light: Reflection in Small Gaps

In summary, when the distance between two reflectors is smaller than the wavelength of the photon, it is not possible for the photon to complete a cycle and no special events occur. However, in certain scenarios, non-propagating solutions may still exist.
  • #1
Elbraido
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TL;DR Summary
What happens when light doesn't have the space to complete a cycle?
Hi thereLet’s consider a photon of wavelength λ is being reflected across of gap d meters. The photon is a reflected back and forth between the same points on two horizontal sheets that reflect 100% of the light. What happens when the distance is smaller than wavelength?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Elbraido said:
Summary:: What happens when light doesn't have the space to complete a cycle?

Hi thereLet’s consider a photon of wavelength λ is being reflected across of gap d meters. The photon is a reflected back and forth between the same points on two horizontal sheets that reflect 100% of the light. What happens when the distance is smaller than wavelength?

Thanks
Radio waves have a long wavelength. Nothing special happens when they get reflected.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_wave
 
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  • #3
Elbraido said:
What happens when the distance is smaller than wavelength?

It can't be. What you are describing is cavity radiation. The size of the cavity restricts the possible wavelengths of the radiation inside it.
 
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  • #4
PeroK said:
Radio waves have a long wavelength. Nothing special happens when they get reflected.

Reflection off a single reflector is not what the OP is describing. He is describing what amounts to cavity radiation. There are restrictions on the wavelength of cavity radiation.
 
  • #5
PeterDonis said:
It can't be. What you are describing is cavity radiation. The size of the cavity restricts the possible wavelengths of the radiation inside it.

I guess it depends on how pedantic you want to be. You will have no propagting modes in a waveguide that is too 'narrow'. But non-propagating solutions can exist. Parallel-plate capacitor deep in quasistatic regime is an example that comes to mind.
 

1. What is light compression?

Light compression is the phenomenon where light waves are squeezed or compressed as they pass through a small gap or narrow space.

2. How does light compression occur?

Light compression occurs when light waves encounter a small gap or narrow space that is smaller than their wavelength. This causes the waves to bend and become compressed, resulting in a change in the direction and intensity of the light.

3. What is the significance of light compression?

Light compression has several practical applications, such as in optical communication systems, where it allows for the transmission of large amounts of data through optical fibers. It also plays a role in the functioning of optical devices, such as lenses and prisms.

4. Can light be compressed to a point?

No, light cannot be compressed to a point. According to the laws of physics, light cannot be compressed beyond its wavelength, which is a fundamental property of the wave nature of light.

5. How is light compression related to reflection?

Light compression is closely related to reflection, as the bending of light waves in small gaps is what causes the reflection of light. When light waves are compressed, they bounce off the surface of the gap and are redirected, resulting in reflection.

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