Scientists at the EPFL School of Computer and Communications in Switzerland have
managed to take a snapshot of light performing the way Einstein
theorized- as a particle and a wave. Although quantum mechanics has
shown us that Einstein's theory is true we have never been able to
visualize it in practice.
The new image was published at the
beginning of the month in Nature Communications.
The team of scientists completed experiments in a unique way to
capture the image. They used electrons to image light. Their
experiment went something like this: Laser light is shot at a
nanowire, which then vibrates as its particles are charged. The light
travels along the wire in two directions. When the waves meet up with
each other they create a new wave that radiates around the nanowire
creating the light source. The scientists then shoot a stream of
electons at the nanowire that image the wave of light. The electrons
do one of two things- speed up or slow down. Using a speedy
microscope they can take an image of the location where the change in
speed takes place. Phew! Confused? I'll admit, I was too. Don't feel
bad, it isn't rocket science, but it is quantum mechanics after all!
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| Ferdinand Schmutzer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons |
The short version is that we can now
see something that we have never been able to see before! Depending
on their learning style this can help clarify a physics concept that
was once abstract into something more concrete for many students. To
see the fascinating image, visit the Science Daily article, "First
ever photograph of light as a particle and a wave"
Read more:
- Science Daily: "First ever photograph of light as a particle and a wave"
- LiveScience: "Image Captures Light's Spooky Dual Nature for the 1st Time"
- Nature Communications: "Simultaneous observation of the interference pattern of a plasmonic near-field" (Full text)
Light Activities:
- Do it Yourself Spectroscope
- Our Eyes and Ears Detect Waves (activity plan)
- Exploratorium Science Snacks: Rotating Light
- Laser Jello: Explore the Properties of a Laser
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