Understanding "Oscillators in Cavity Walls

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In summary, the sentence "Oscillators in the cavity walls can interchange energy with standing waves in the cavity only in quanta of hf" means that for a fixed frequency, energy exchange can only occur in specific intervals of hf, where f is the frequency. This applies to atoms, photons, and other quantum oscillators. This concept can be further explored through resources like hyperphysics.
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I'm reading a modern physics textbook, and have trouble understanding this sentence:
"Oscillators in the cavity walls can interchange energy with standing waves in the cavity only in quanta of hf"
What is meant by that?
 
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  • #3
For "oscillators" read "atoms"; for "quanta" read "photons"; for "hf" read "energy hf, where f is the frequency".
 
  • #4
It means that for a fixed frequency, the energy exchange may only occur
as integer multiples of hf, that is hf, 2hf, 3hf ...

Note: The "walls" means the electrons or atoms or molecules of the walls.
It could even mean other things. A quantum oscillator is anything that
can be excited into a state of definit energy (frequency) like the vibrational
states of a molecule.
 
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  • #5
oh, i see~
thanks! :)
 

1. What are oscillators in cavity walls?

Oscillators in cavity walls refer to the phenomenon where electromagnetic waves are trapped and reflected back and forth within a confined space between two parallel walls. This creates a standing wave pattern, which can be used for various applications such as signal amplification and filtering.

2. How do oscillators in cavity walls work?

Oscillators in cavity walls work by reflecting electromagnetic waves between two parallel walls, causing them to interfere and create a standing wave pattern. This pattern can be amplified or filtered depending on the specific design and materials used in the cavity.

3. What are the advantages of using oscillators in cavity walls?

There are several advantages to using oscillators in cavity walls. They can be used for precise signal amplification, as well as for creating narrow-band filters for specific frequencies. They also have a low noise level and are relatively compact compared to other types of oscillators.

4. What are some common applications of oscillators in cavity walls?

Oscillators in cavity walls are commonly used in radio and microwave communication systems, as well as in radar systems. They are also used in scientific research and experiments, such as in particle accelerators and spectroscopy.

5. How can I design and build my own oscillator in a cavity wall?

Designing and building an oscillator in a cavity wall requires knowledge of electromagnetic theory and circuit design. It is recommended to seek guidance from a qualified engineer or scientist to ensure proper functioning and safety. Additionally, there are various resources and tutorials available online for those interested in learning more about this topic.

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