Why is there no Optics Subforum?

  • Thread starter pivoxa15
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In summary: Optics is a broad field that can be studied at either a microscopic level in quantum mechanics or a macroscopic level in electromagnetics or general physics. It can also fall under condensed-matter physics, engineering, or even general astronomy. It is important to define the specific area of the optics problem at hand in order to determine which forum it belongs in. As there is not currently a high volume of optics related posts, it is not necessary to create a separate forum for them. However, if there is a significant increase in posts or difficulties in organizing them, a separate forum may be created in the future. Overall, most discussions about optics can be categorized under one of the existing physics or engineering forums.
  • #1
pivoxa15
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Its a big field of study but is it because one can either analyse optics 'microscopically' which would be in QM or 'macroscopically' which would be EM or general physics subforums.
 
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  • #2
Well, I guess that optics is covered by classical and quantum physics forums concerning the basic physics, unless it is so material-specific that it belongs in condensed-matter physics. It can also be engineering related, or application-related (general astronomy). Usually the optics problem at hand defines quite well in what area the post belongs, no ?

We try to set up the sub-forums in such a way as to organise the incoming flux of posts in the best possible way, with as low a number of forums as possible. If there were indeed a huge flux of optics related posts or if there were serious difficulties in hosting them in one of the existing forums, that would justify creating a forum for them, but given that this is not the case today, we don't want to multiply the number of subforums. It complicates maintenance and readability. The day that the necessity shows up, we can create it.
 
  • #3
In my opinion, most discussions have to do with different principles behind a cross-forum subject such as optics. These principles are usually confined to one of the forums in the physics or engineering category.

I agree with vanesch that having as low number of forums as possible is a good approach.
 

1. Why is there no Optics Subforum?

There are a few possible reasons for this. One is that there may not be enough demand or interest from the community for an Optics Subforum. Another reason could be that there are already existing forums or websites dedicated to optics that fulfill this need. Additionally, the moderators of the forum may have decided that optics is not within the scope of the forum's main topics.

2. Is optics not considered a legitimate field of science?

No, optics is definitely considered a legitimate field of science. It is a branch of physics that deals with the behavior and properties of light, including its interactions with matter and the instruments used to detect and manipulate it. However, it may not be a topic that is heavily discussed or focused on in this particular forum.

3. Can I still discuss optics-related topics in the forum?

Yes, you can still discuss optics-related topics in the forum. While there may not be a dedicated subforum for optics, you can still start a thread or participate in discussions about optics within the existing subforums. Just make sure to stay within the forum's guidelines and keep the discussion relevant to the topic.

4. Will there ever be an Optics Subforum in the future?

It is possible that an Optics Subforum may be added in the future, depending on the demand and interest from the community. However, this decision ultimately lies with the moderators of the forum and their assessment of the forum's main focus and goals.

5. Are there any other resources for discussing optics online?

Yes, there are many online forums, communities, and websites dedicated to discussing optics and related topics. You can also join professional organizations or attend conferences and workshops to network and engage in discussions with other experts in the field of optics.

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