Why Generating a Purely Optical Standing Wave is Impossible

kingyof2thejring
Messages
82
Reaction score
0
why is it impossible to generate a purely optical standing wave?
thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I believe it is possible to make an optical standing wave. Laser beams can make an optical lattice to trap atoms. I can give you a reference to the paper if you want it.
 
Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'

Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'

This figure is from "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths (3rd edition). It is available to download. It is from page 142. I am hoping the usual people on this site will give me a hand understanding what is going on in the figure. After the equation (4.50) it says "It is customary to introduce the principal quantum number, ##n##, which simply orders the allowed energies, starting with 1 for the ground state. (see the figure)" I still don't understand the figure :( Here is...
View full post »
Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'

Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'

The last problem I posted on QM made it into advanced homework help, that is why I am putting it here. I am sorry for any hassle imposed on the moderators by myself. Part (a) is quite easy. We get $$\sigma_1 = 2\lambda, \mathbf{v}_1 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_2 = \lambda, \mathbf{v}_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_3 = -\lambda, \mathbf{v}_3 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ -1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} $$ There are two ways...
View full post »

Similar threads

Single photon wave packet autointerference
Replies
1
Views
1K
B Non-Sinusoidal Standing Waves Existence?
Replies
11
Views
1K
I Plane wave decomposition method in scalar optics
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Standing Waves by Reflection: Losses of the Reflected Wave
Replies
16
Views
2K
B What is the difference between standing wave and resonance?
Replies
18
Views
2K
I Is Geometrical Optics Essential for a Deeper Understanding of Light?
Replies
10
Views
2K
Reverse engineering formulas for directing a plane wave
Replies
5
Views
2K
Optics homework: Why is this equation called a standing wave?
Replies
2
Views
1K
B Is the Definition of a Standing Wave Accurate?
Replies
19
Views
2K
Length of string in a standing wave
Replies
19
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top