| mang2004 |
2019-09-05 02:17 |
Eminent scientist’s theories aid light wave find w(1Gi$Z(Q)
7&O`p(j
BIf^~jAER%
A previously unknown type of light wave has been discovered by researchers, based on the pioneering work of a 19th century Scottish scientist. 7@a 0$c oP
vRA',(](
Equations developed by renowned mathematician and physicist James Clerk Maxwell have helped to reveal how crystals can be manipulated to produce a distinctive form of light wave. tvX>{-M
kC$&:\Rh
The phenomena – recently named Dyakonov-Voigt waves – could have a range of useful applications, such as improving biosensors used to screen blood samples or developing fibre optic circuits that transfer data more efficiently. w:o-klKXY
yB LUNIr
Wave discovery ;r=b|B9c
9umGIQHnil
Scientists and engineers from the University of Edinburgh and Pennsylvania State University made the discovery by analysing how light – which travels in the form of waves – interacts with certain naturally occurring or man-made crystals. 5j"1z1_&
Lc<eRVNd,
They found that Dyakonov-Voigt waves are produced at a specific region – known as an interface – where the crystals meet another material, such as oil or water. E?PGu!&u
JO@ Bf
These waves can be produced only using certain types of crystal whose optical properties depend on the direction in which light passes through them, researchers say. )[&_scSa
Uz%Z&K
Original equations !C:r b
Q\{x)|{$
The team identified the waves’ unique properties using mathematical models that incorporated equations developed by James Clerk Maxwell. Since the mid-1800s, research on how light interacts with crystals has built on the work of Maxwell, who studied at the University of Edinburgh from the age of 16. o@lWBfB*%e
"`A :(<x
Dyakonov-Voigt waves, named after two leading scientists, diminish as they move away from the interface – a process called decay – and travel only in a single direction, the team found. Other types of so-called surface waves decay more quickly and travel in multiple directions. WW@"Z}?k
Oajv^H,Em
|
|