Why is using visible light for radio transmission not feasible?

AI Thread Summary
Using visible light for radio transmission is impractical due to its short wavelength, which limits its ability to diffract around obstacles, requiring a clear line of sight for communication. While devices like TV remotes and infrared communication ports utilize visible or infrared light for data transmission, they are not effective for long-distance radio-like transmissions. The principle of long-distance transmission is feasible, as evidenced by detecting AM visible light signals from pulsars. However, the rapid attenuation of visible light signals in obstructed environments poses significant challenges. Overall, effective communication using visible light necessitates unobstructed paths between devices.
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Homework Statement



Why can't you make radio transmitter that transmits visible light instead in the same way we transmith AM signals?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Im thinking maybe they would not be very effective as their wavelenth is so small, they would die out rapidly...
 
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There are lots of practical devices that use AM visible or infra red light for data transmission. For example TV remote controls, infrared communications ports on PCs, etc.

There is no problem in principle with long distance transmission. For example we can detect the AM visible light signals from pulsars many light years away from earth. However short wavelengths do not diffract round large objects, so you can only communicate between devices that can "see" each other with no obstructions in between them.
 

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