Light Sensors: Color to Frequency

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of light sensors that can measure and output frequency in a manner similar to the frequency of the light they detect. Participants explore various types of sensors and their capabilities, as well as the relationship between color and frequency in light.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about light sensors that can provide an output frequency directly linked to the frequency of the incoming light.
  • Another participant explains the relationship between color and frequency, referencing the order of colors in the visible spectrum (VIBGYOR).
  • Some participants suggest that color discrimination can be achieved using filters over photodiodes and mention the use of LEDs as frequency-selective light sensors.
  • A participant introduces the concept of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as potentially relevant to the discussion.
  • There is a suggestion that an interferometer could be a straightforward method to measure light frequency, with an analogy to using a prism to refract light based on frequency.
  • One participant notes that while a spectrometer measures spectral frequency, it does not convert light in the way the original poster requested.
  • Concerns are raised about the clarity of the original poster's request, with some participants expressing frustration over the lack of specific examples or outputs desired.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of a light-to-frequency sensor as described by the original poster. There is no consensus on whether such a sensor exists or how it would function, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of the output and the technology involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of light as a mixture of different colors and intensities, which may affect the design and functionality of the proposed sensor. There are also unresolved questions about the form of output that would be appropriate for a sensor that responds to light frequency.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring light sensing technologies, including researchers in optics, engineering, and related fields, as well as individuals curious about the relationship between light frequency and color perception.

alejandro ureta
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Hi all, I‘m a recent member in this forum, very glad I found it. I am interested in light sensing and would like to know if there is any sort of light sensor whose response is manifested and measurable as an emmisson frequency similar to the frequency which is receiving or sensing. I am particularly thinking in a light-to-frequency alike sensor whose frequency response is directly linked and of similar frequency to the source frequency. thanks.
 
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Well yes, Colours are related to their frequency. VIBGYOR, heard about this? This is the order of the seven colours of our rainbow in order of their frequency. V-Violet, I-Indigo, B-Blue, G-Green, Y-Yellow, O-Orange, R-Red. In this Red color's frequency< Orange color's frequency< Yellow color's frequency and vice versa till Violet.
 
alejandro ureta said:
I am particularly thinking in a light-to-frequency alike sensor whose frequency response is directly linked and of similar frequency to the source frequency. thanks.

I'm not quite sure what you're asking for in that sentence

Oftentimes color discrimination is done with filters over ordinary photodiodes

http://www.pixelteq.com/product/pixelsensor/?gclid=CN-mv8nvgcUCFZKGaQodWj0A-Q LED's can be used as light sensors and they're naturally 'frequency' selective...

see if this article has any clues for you
http://makezine.com/projects/make-36-boards/how-to-use-leds-to-detect-light/

led-2.jpg


Figure A shows the spectral response of 7 blue, green, red, and near-infrared LEDs that replace the usual silicon photodiodes and filters in my modified Multi-Filter Rotating Shadowband Radiometer, used for solar spectroscopy.
old jim
 
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Welcome to PF.
The problem here is that light is usually made up of very many different colours all with different intensities.

Why do you need the sensor ?
Can you give an example of the output you want ?
 
OLED's ? fascinating. My 1962 Chrysler had an electroluminescent dashboard...perhaps precursors to OLED's.

get-attachment.asp?action=view&attachmentid=40895.jpg

Thanks dlgoff , for introducing me to yet another world all its own..
 
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The most straightforward way to measure light frequency is an interferometer.

AN analogy would be to shine the light through a prism which refracts based on frequency, and measure physically where the output is positioned with a calibrated ccd or camera.

Your request that the sensor have a frequency output similar to the light frequency is pretty tough. Since light is an EM wave, what form would you propose the sensor output take?https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/how-do-we-measure-the-frequency-of-light.442887/
 
  • #10
but a spectrometer does not do what he asked for. It certainly measures spectral frequency (using diffraction or interference techniques) but it does not convert light as he suggests.

He requests a "light-to-frequency alike sensor whose frequency response is directly linked and of similar frequency to the source frequency"

To which I ask "Since light is an EM wave, what form would you propose the sensor output take?"
 
  • #11
Guessing won't help here. Until the OP returns with some clear answers we are just wasting our time.
 
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