Why is using visible light for radio transmission not feasible?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Using visible light for radio transmission is not feasible due to its short wavelength, which limits diffraction and obstructs communication between devices. While practical applications exist, such as TV remote controls and infrared communication ports, these rely on line-of-sight transmission. Long-distance detection of AM visible light signals from pulsars demonstrates the potential for visibility, but practical communication requires unobstructed paths between devices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic spectrum and wavelength properties
  • Knowledge of amplitude modulation (AM) principles
  • Familiarity with infrared communication technologies
  • Basic concepts of line-of-sight communication
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Explore the limitations of short wavelengths in communication
  • Learn about infrared data transmission technologies
  • Investigate the applications of visible light in optical communication systems
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, engineers in telecommunications, and professionals interested in optical communication technologies will benefit from this discussion.

bsmith
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

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...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
7K