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Swapnil
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Is there is theoretical limit on how large a frequency (or how small a wavelength) an EM wave can have?
Theoretical Limit on Frequency?
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In summary, there is no theoretical limit on how large a frequency (or how small a wavelength) an EM wave can have. On the upper side, there are practical limits because you have limited mechanisms for creating really high energy photons. Low energy photons abound, but when you get below radio frequencies, the photon energies are so tiny compared to room temperature thermal energy that you really never see them as distinct quantized entities - they are swamped in the background.
- #2
paul_peciak
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the frequency available is continuous and has no upper or lower bound, so there is no finite lower limit or upper limit on the possible energy of a photon. On the upper side, there are practical limits because you have limited mechanisms for creating really high energy photons. Low energy photons abound, but when you get below radio frequencies, the photon energies are so tiny compared to room temperature thermal energy that you really never see them as distinct quantized entities - they are swamped in the background.
- #3
xantox
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You may consider that a frequency higher than an inverse Planck time or a wavelength smaller than Planck length is not meaningful in current theories.
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=1272827
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=1272827
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- #4
Meir Achuz
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No...Swapnil said:
- #5
mjsd
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Swapnil said:
unfortunately, many of the physical theories we have are strictly valid at a relatively low energy... since freq is related to energy... so you may have problems when things go extremely large... but that doesn't mean there is definitely a limit..it is just a statement saying that we don't know ..yet
- #6
tim_lou
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If there is a limit then either the Doppler's shift is completely wrong for ultra high frequency or there is a bound (less than c) on how fast one can travel with respect to a source of a light.
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CPL.Luke
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actually if you pump enough energy into a photon it will entually become a different kind of boson, I forgot the particulars however.
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Swapnil
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How can you draw this conclusion?tim_lou said:
- #9
tim_lou
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in Doppler's effect, the frequency goes to infinity as one approaches a light source close to the speed of light... so if there is a limit on how high frequency goes and Doppler's effect is correct, then there is limit (lower than c) on how fast one can travel toward a light source. similarly, if there is a lower bound on frequency, then there is a limit (lower than c) on how fast one can travel away from a light source.
- #10
xantox
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That is correct, invariance of the Planck energy scale could require at least a modification of special relativity so that blueshifting is only possible asymptotically up to Planck energy (or so that Planck length may not be Lorentz-contracted into a smaller length, etc). At worst, special relativity could break completely at this scale.
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- #11
lightarrow
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So what happens in a photon-photon collision? There should be infinite frequencys involved?tim_lou said:
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tehno
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lightarrow:
Infinities are very frequently
serious problems in physics.
Infinities are very frequently
serious problems in physics.- #13
jostpuur
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CPL.Luke said:
This doesn't sound correct. No matter how great the energy of a photon is, there is always another frame, where the energy is arbitrarily small. If a photon could change into another particle, it should not depend on the chosen frame.
- #14
lightarrow
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Certainly. I didn't mean that tim_lou's conclusion have to be wrong, I know doppler effect equation and how it works. Mine was just a question.tehno said:lightarrow:
Infinities are very frequently
Of course I know that a reference frame where a photon is stationary doesn't exist, but what he said makes one think! it's an interesting consideration!
(Nice the joke with "frequently"!)
FAQ: Theoretical Limit on Frequency?
What is the theoretical limit on frequency?
The theoretical limit on frequency is the highest possible frequency that can be achieved in a system. It is determined by factors such as the speed of light and the properties of the medium through which the frequency is traveling.
What is the significance of the theoretical limit on frequency?
The theoretical limit on frequency is important because it sets boundaries on the capabilities of communication systems. It helps engineers and scientists understand the limitations of current technology and push for advancements to reach higher frequencies.
Can the theoretical limit on frequency be surpassed?
It is currently believed that the theoretical limit on frequency cannot be surpassed. However, there is ongoing research and experimentation to find ways to potentially exceed this limit.
How does the theoretical limit on frequency impact everyday technology?
The theoretical limit on frequency has a direct impact on everyday technology, as it dictates the speed and efficiency of communication systems and electronic devices. As technology advances, we are able to reach higher frequencies and improve the performance of these devices.
What are some potential future implications of reaching the theoretical limit on frequency?
If we are able to reach the theoretical limit on frequency, it could lead to significant advancements in communication technology, including faster data transfer, more efficient wireless networks, and more powerful computing devices. It could also open up new possibilities in fields such as medicine, astronomy, and research.