Limits of information transfer through light and sound

In summary, there are limits to the amount of information that can be transferred through sound and light, such as bandwidth and speed. The speed of light is currently the highest known speed limit in the universe, but there are ways to increase the density and efficiency of information transfer, such as using multiple wavelengths of light. Sound waves have lower bandwidth compared to other wireless technologies, but they could potentially be used for data transfer. The Shannon-Hartley theorem can determine the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted through a certain band. All electromagnetic waves, including light, travel at the speed of light, which is the highest known speed limit in the universe.
  • #1
nadhbv
2
0
Are there any limits for information transfer through sound or light? Or are these the limits of the devices that send and receive information through these two media.
Request for clarification.
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Limits in what sense? Bandwidth, content, speed/latency?
 
  • #3
Limits w.r.t bandwidth.
I understand the speed limit is that of the light.
 
  • #4
I've never thought about the bandwidth limitation of sound... I guess it's set by the viscosity of the material (the time constant of the viscoelastic response).

http://www.massa.com/fundamentals.htm

Shows that the signal gets rapidly attenuated about 50 kHz, but air supports acoustic frequencies well above 250 kHz.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #5
If light is one of the main carriers of information along with sound, and if you look at the sun, for example, as the "main" light source, it would then seem that there is much more information coming in than can be gathered and assimilated by our current technologies we have thus far.

However, if you look at solar technology and its growing ability to reflect and utilize the full solar spectrum, then the sun would be one media source and the reflector would be the other, receiving the solar information and assimilating it. Thus we are working through the limits as technology evolves.
 
  • #6
I'm thinking along the lines of the speed of sound can be broken, the speed of light hasn't been broken yet, with the speed of light (optical) you are limited to the speed of light, i had a thought just before (hence replying to an old thread) using sound to transfer files wirelessly, rather then using wi-fi infared blutooth and so forth, thinking back to the first form of long range communication (morse code) then simplifying it in terms of 0's and 1's eg. sound, no sound.

All that would be required is a decompiler at one end and compiler at the other end, effectivly the same as the way computers send information over the internet, only with sound instead of power.

Would transfering data using sound waves (not through cables) be viable?
for example, you could send a video over the radio.

Thoughts?
 
  • #7
If you take it to its extremes then at some point the information is going to become quantized, in a sense the intuitive world around you seems analogue but as you look closer and closer it transforms into something that is digital. I'm sure that the physical limitations on information will involve using Planck's constant.
 
  • #8
One clever way they use to increase the density of information in fibre optics is to simultaneously use multiple wavelengths of light, each wavelength carries different information.
 
  • #9
r4z0r84 said:
I'm thinking along the lines of the speed of sound can be broken, the speed of light hasn't been broken yet, with the speed of light (optical) you are limited to the speed of light, i had a thought just before (hence replying to an old thread) using sound to transfer files wirelessly, rather then using wi-fi infared blutooth and so forth, thinking back to the first form of long range communication (morse code) then simplifying it in terms of 0's and 1's eg. sound, no sound.

All that would be required is a decompiler at one end and compiler at the other end, effectivly the same as the way computers send information over the internet, only with sound instead of power.

Would transfering data using sound waves (not through cables) be viable?
for example, you could send a video over the radio.

Thoughts?

Radio waves do not use air as a medium. Radio waves are EM waves, just like light is.
Unfortunately the bandwidth when using sound is horribly low compared to wi-fi and most other wireless technologies. I don't know the limit for frequency in a sound wave, but I have a difficult time believing that it is in the upper MHz to GHz range, where practically all short-medium range wireless sits at.
 
  • #10
Just thought of how to redesign the inter-net, thanks for all your input.
Just one question, Do EM waves travel at the speed of light?
 
  • #11
What you are looking for is Shannon-Hartley theorem, which tells you how much data you can push through a certain band. This will work the same way for sound waves, light, and RF.

And yes, RF propagates at the speed of light, because the only fundamental difference with light is the frequency.
 
  • #12
What you are looking for is Shannon-Hartley theorem

Cheers!
 
  • #13
r4z0r84 said:
Just thought of how to redesign the inter-net, thanks for all your input.
Just one question, Do EM waves travel at the speed of light?

Two things. First, there happens to be a "speed limit" for the universe that we have determined is around 300,000 kilometers per second. This is also known a "c".

Second, this speed happens to be the speed that ALL EM waves travel at, including light. (Light IS an EM wave) They travel at c due to the waves having no rest mass.

Because our primary experience with EM waves is in the visual frequencies, and because they travel at c, we have labelled this value to be "the speed of light".

Here are some links to browse through to learn more.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EM_radiation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_light
 

1. What is the fastest way to transfer information through light and sound?

The fastest way to transfer information through light and sound is by using fiber optics. Fiber optics use light to transmit data, allowing for faster transfer speeds compared to traditional copper wires. Additionally, sound waves travel faster through solid materials, making it a viable option for transferring information in certain scenarios.

2. What are the limitations of using light and sound for information transfer?

The main limitation of using light and sound for information transfer is the distance they can travel. Light can only travel so far through fiber optics before experiencing signal loss, and sound waves can also weaken over distance. Additionally, both light and sound can be affected by external factors such as interference or obstacles, which can impact the accuracy of the information being transmitted.

3. Can light and sound be used together for information transfer?

Yes, light and sound can be used together for information transfer in a process called optoacoustic communication. This involves converting light signals into sound waves, which can then be transmitted through a medium. However, this method is still in its early stages and has not yet been fully developed for practical use.

4. How does the speed of light and sound affect information transfer?

The speed of light and sound can greatly impact the rate of information transfer. Light travels much faster than sound, making it a more efficient option for transferring large amounts of data quickly. However, sound can travel through different mediums, whereas light is limited to a vacuum or transparent material.

5. What advancements are being made in the field of information transfer through light and sound?

Scientists are constantly researching and developing new technologies to improve the efficiency and speed of information transfer through light and sound. Some advancements include using lasers to increase the speed of light transmission, developing new materials for fiber optics to reduce signal loss, and exploring new methods for encoding and decoding information using light and sound waves.

Similar threads

Replies
18
Views
1K
Replies
19
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
633
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
63
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Back
Top