"Seeing" particles with De Broglie visible wavelengths

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interaction between electrons and human vision when electrons are fired with a De Broglie wavelength equivalent to blue light. It concludes that if an electron were to reach the eye, it would likely be stopped by the cornea due to its relatively low speed of approximately 1600 m/s. The human eye is not equipped to detect electrons or filter them by wavelength, resulting in uncertain activation of color receptors. Astronauts have reported seeing flashes of light from charged particles, suggesting a potential interaction, but these flashes are typically described as white light rather than colorful.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of De Broglie wavelength concepts
  • Basic knowledge of electron behavior and properties
  • Familiarity with human visual perception mechanisms
  • Awareness of particle interactions in space environments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of De Broglie wavelength in quantum mechanics
  • Study the interaction of charged particles with biological tissues
  • Explore the mechanisms of human color perception and receptor activation
  • Investigate reports of visual phenomena experienced by astronauts in space
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, optical scientists, and anyone interested in quantum mechanics and its implications for human perception and space phenomena.

andrewpareles
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Say an electron is fired with the same De Broglie wavelength as blue light.

If the electron were to reach your eye, would you see blue, or would something else happen?
 
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The electron would most likely be stopped by your cornea, as it is traveling relatively slowly, only about 1600 m/s by my calculations. Even if it did reach your cornea, your eyes are not designed to detect electrons or filter them by wavelength, so it could potentially activate any of your color receptors or do nothing at all. Astronauts in space have said that they occasionally see flashes of light even with their eyes closed as a result of charged particles passing through their bodies and interacting with their eyes. I assume they mean white light, as it wasn't described as being colorful.
 

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