Separating colours and slowing/accelerating waves

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In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of changing the frequency of a light wave in open air to dynamically change its color. It is mentioned that the frequency of an electromagnetic wave cannot be changed unless the source or observer is moving at a high speed, known as the Doppler shift. It is also noted that with electronic systems, it is possible to measure slower relative speeds using Doppler shift of radio signals. Additionally, it is mentioned that UV light can be converted into visible light using materials called phosphors, but this does not achieve the desired effect. The conversation also briefly touches on the use of air-screens in the tech industry, citing a Japanese achievement in this area but noting that it is not yet a 3D monitor and has
  • #1
keokeo22
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I don't know if this is the right forum to post this, but I was just wondering if a light wave could be slowed down or speeded up in frequency somehow to change dinamically its color (maybe just a red wave separated through a lens filter) in open air.

Is this possible and how one could achieve this?
 
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  • #2
The problem with this is that the Frequency of an electromagnetic wave that stays the.same when it crosses any boundary or goes through any medium. The Photons have a certain energy and that's it.

The only way to change that frequency is by moving the source or the observer very fast towards (blue shift) or away (red shift). This is the Doppler shift. To get an appreciable 'colour change' you would need to have relative motions quite near to the speed of light.
Whilst we can get an audible change in the tone of a siren when a police car approaches us and then recedes, light travels about a million times faster so the whole thing would need to scale up.

However, with electronic systems, it is possible to measure quite slow relative speeds using Doppler shift of radio (microwave) signals.

What you can do, with light, is to start with UV and shine it onto certain materials, called Phosphors. These absorb the UV and can emit visible light. They are referred to as frequency changers but they don't really do what you were asking for,
 
  • #3
Thank you, I was just wondering why air-screens wouldn't still come up in the tech industry. The maximum I've seen has been achieved by japanese guys (http://www.physorg.com/news11251.html) but it's not a 3D monitor yet, no colors and pretty dangerous for skin too
 

FAQ: Separating colours and slowing/accelerating waves

How do you separate colors?

The most common method for separating colors is through a process called chromatography. This involves using a solvent to separate the different components of a mixture, such as pigments or dyes, based on their molecular weight and affinity for the solvent.

Can colors be separated without using chemicals?

Yes, there are alternative methods for separating colors without using chemicals. One method is through the use of filters, which can block out certain wavelengths of light and allow others to pass through, creating a separation of colors. Another method is through the use of physical barriers, such as a prism, which can refract and separate white light into its component colors.

How do waves slow down or speed up?

Waves can be slowed down or sped up through a phenomenon called refraction, which occurs when a wave passes through a medium with a different density. When a wave enters a medium with a higher density, it will slow down, and when it enters a medium with a lower density, it will speed up. This change in speed can also cause the wave to change direction.

Can waves be slowed down or sped up artificially?

Yes, waves can be slowed down or sped up artificially through the use of various materials and techniques. For example, using materials with a high refractive index, such as glass or water, can artificially slow down waves. Additionally, using lenses or mirrors can manipulate the speed and direction of waves, allowing for control over their movement.

How do waves interact with each other?

Waves can interact with each other in various ways, depending on their properties. For example, when two waves with the same frequency and amplitude meet, they can combine and create a larger wave, known as constructive interference. On the other hand, when two waves with opposite frequencies and amplitudes meet, they can cancel each other out, resulting in a smaller or even no wave, known as destructive interference.

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