Radio frequency creating light

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using an antenna connected to a prism to create visible light from radio frequencies. Participants clarify that radio waves typically pass through prisms without generating visible light, and direct conversion from radio to visible light is not possible due to the significant difference in photon energy levels. They suggest that while radio waves can produce a small voltage sufficient to drive an LED, the energy is minimal. The conversation also touches on the potential of using microwaves, which could yield more energy, but emphasizes the need for proximity to a radio frequency emitter. Overall, the project is deemed challenging but not impossible with the right approach and equipment.
rudolf141
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
hi guys ,

I d like to ask you some comments and recommendations, I am an undergrad working ,trying to, on a project.
I was thinking that if I could connect an antenna to a prism and then create light of different wavelength which could be used for ...I don t know photoelectric effect and so on... in LED perhaps.

sorry for any mistakes

please any comments or recommendations for a textbook which would make it clearer ,antennas and all the above, it s more electrical engeneering and I m a physics student



thank you all, Regards
 
Science news on Phys.org
How would the antenna create visible light? Radio waves would go through the prism most likely. Also you cannot combine the radio waves to make visible light either. At least not with a prism.
 
To 'get' visible light out of radio waves, you need to be very near to a radio transmitter and then use an antenna with a tuned circuit. This passive receiving set 'could' produce enough volts to drive an LED.

But the energy of RF photons is very low and the energy of visible light photons is millions of times more so you couldn't get direct conversion that way..
 
hi! I don't know about radio waves, but i have experienced with microwaves.
Ones need to have diodes which are sensibel toward waves of a certain frequency. It is like solar cells which are sensibel by visible light and are able to transfers (or creats ?) photons of visible light in electrons and positrons (some body calls them holes) which move in oposite directions and voila ! difference of potential. If this potential is big enough you may conect a lamp in circuit and have light.
Radio waves have very low fraquence and their photons very low energy ( E = h*f) so they are able to create very small potential. May be -- using lamp diodes which works with small potentials you may have any faint light.
Cheers!
 
OK,

Thank you, mquirce.
Now the problem is that I should be near a radio frequency emitter. And I m probably not.
Is there any way this could work in the microwave range? in order to get out more energy out . regards,
R
 
Microwave links work on as little power as possible - and it is often a very low power. If you stick a dish up there to intercept enough of that power to light your bedroom, someone will soon come knocking on your door because you are screening the intended receive antanna. They will know where to come because they will see the 50ft diameter dish high on a pole in your garden. :biggrin:
 
I see no reason you cannot get a small transmitter and do your project on a small scale. The principles are all the same.
 
You re funny sophiecentaur.
Thank you all for your advices.
 
Back
Top