Homemade Cosmic Microwave Background detector

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of constructing a homemade device to detect the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation, particularly focusing on whether it is possible to tune a radio or similar device to the frequency of the CMB and detect it amidst noise.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests building a radio or other device tuned to the CMB's peak frequency, questioning the detectability of the signal against background noise.
  • Another participant mentions that old TVs might be suitable for this purpose.
  • A participant notes that the CMB was first detected using a homemade device by engineers at Bell Labs, implying that it is possible but may require significant expertise and equipment.
  • One contributor emphasizes the challenges of detecting the CMB at 160 GHz, stating that specialized equipment and expertise would be necessary, and questions whether such frequencies can penetrate the atmosphere for ground-level detection.
  • Another participant reiterates the historical context of the CMB's discovery, highlighting that the original engineers were not average hobbyists, suggesting that the task may be more complex than it appears.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of building a homemade CMB detector, with some suggesting it may be possible while others emphasize the significant challenges involved. No consensus is reached regarding the practicality of such a project.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of detecting signals at 160 GHz and the potential need for specialized equipment, but do not resolve whether such a device could be effectively built or operated at ground level.

PedroLencastre
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi Guys,

I studied physics for my bachelor but still I am not a super expert, although I am still working closely to physics (but not so much astronomy).

I was wondering if it would be possible to build a radio, or some other devise (any ideas?) that could be tuned at the frequency where the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is at its maximum. That would, in principle lead to a small bump in the noise heard, right? Or is it so subtel that, even in place with low external noise it would not be percievable?

The CMB peak is at a wavelength of 1.87 mm. The usual radio FM wave length is around 3 meters.

Any ideas or suggestions would be useful.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
I always thought old TVs would do.
 
The CMB was first discovered by engineers at Bell Labs with a "home made" device.
 
PedroLencastre said:
I was wondering if it would be possible to build a radio, or some other devise (any ideas?) that could be tuned at the frequency where the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is at its maximum. That would, in principle lead to a small bump in the noise heard, right? Or is it so subtel that, even in place with low external noise it would not be percievable?

The CMB peak is at a wavelength of 1.87 mm. The usual radio FM wave length is around 3 meters.

Any ideas or suggestions would be useful.

would be VERY difficult without really specialist equip

1.87mm = 160 GHz ( round figs)
compared to FM broadcast
3m = 100MHz

I have used/built gear up to 24 GHz and that is difficult
some of my fellow radio operators have built gear up to 48 and 76 GHz, and that is EXTREMELY difficult
160 GHz is another whole new ball game again

so without a BIG dish antenna, serious test gear and lots of expert help, the short answer would be no
The other thing I haven't googled yet is if 160 GHz even penetrates the atmosphere and can be received at ground level
of if it can only be received from outside the Earth's atmosphere ... ie. an orbiting satellite observatory ??

Dave
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: |Glitch| and nsaspook
mathman said:
The CMB was first discovered by engineers at Bell Labs with a "home made" device.
True, but it is not a small piece of equipment:
images.jpeg
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: davenn
mathman said:
The CMB was first discovered by engineers at Bell Labs with a "home made" device.

and note where they worked and what they were
There weren't the avg joe blogs Dave
 

Similar threads

High School Cosmic Microwave Background Stage 4 Cancelled for now
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Undergrad Some questions about Cosmic Microwave Background radiation
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
7K
Undergrad Blackbody radiation and the cosmic microwave background
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
Graduate Can fast objects get cooked by Cosmic Microwave background?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School Questions about the cosmic microwave background radition and its discovery
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
High School Understanding the Cosmic Microwave Background
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad What Evidence Exists for the Universe Before the Cosmic Microwave Background?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Undergrad Why Can We Still Observe the Cosmic Microwave Background?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Graduate Effect of CMB (cosmic microwave background) on objects at relativistic speeds
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
OCR A2 Physics cosmic microwave background radiation question
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K