The discussion focuses on the historical methods used by scientists Lyman and Paschen to observe emission lines in the ultraviolet and infrared spectra, respectively. The Balmer series is highlighted as a key concept for understanding visible light emission from hydrogen atoms. Participants speculate on the experimental setups employed by Lyman and Paschen, suggesting the use of photographic plates sensitive to various wavelengths, including ultraviolet and infrared. The conversation emphasizes the evolution of detection methods in spectroscopy, moving beyond human observation to more sophisticated instruments.
PREREQUISITESStudents and professionals in physics, particularly those interested in spectroscopy, historical scientific methods, and the development of detection technologies.
Mazerakham said:Scientists use other instruments to measure quantities besides the human eye, you know! How do you think doctors read x-rays? With super-powers? No, a machine does it for them, then creates an image for the doctor to see. The image is a visible light representation of the x-rays
Dadface said:One type of detector could be photographic plates.I'm assuming that back in the day of Lyman and Paschen there were photographic emulsions sensitive to I.R as well as to light and emulsions sensitive to U.V, X rays and gamma rays.I think the higher the frequency to be detected the greater the silver content in the emulsion.