Monochromatic light is light that is composed of one wavelength or color. As opposed to white light, monochromatic light does not contain a range of wavelengths. This type of light has numerous applications, from photography to spectroscopy to microscopy. In this article, we will discuss the properties of monochromatic light, its applications, and the methods used to create it.
Properties of Monochromatic Light
Monochromatic light is characterized by its single wavelength. This wavelength is determined by the source of the light. For example, a laser emits a single wavelength of light in the visible spectrum, while a light-emitting diode (LED) emits multiple wavelengths in the visible spectrum (Schmid, Lüthi, & Wüthrich, 2020). Monochromatic light is also characterized by its high degree of coherence. This means that the light waves are in phase and that the amplitude of the wave is constant over a given time period (Schmid et al., 2020).
Applications of Monochromatic Light
Monochromatic light has a wide range of applications in science and technology. One of the most common applications is photography. Monochromatic light can be used to capture images with greater clarity and detail than can be achieved with white light (Goebel, 2017). Monochromatic light is also used in spectroscopy, which is the study of the interaction between light and matter. Spectroscopy is used in fields such as astronomy, chemistry, and medicine (Lüthi & Wüthrich, 2019). Monochromatic light is also used in microscopy, which is the study of small objects. By using monochromatic light, researchers can distinguish between different types of cells and molecules (Fulchignoni & Della Valle, 2016).
Methods of Creating Monochromatic Light
Monochromatic light can be created using several different methods. One of the most common methods is the use of a prism. A prism is a geometric shape that refracts light into its constituent wavelengths. By using a prism, it is possible to separate white light into its component colors (Goebel, 2017). Monochromatic light can also be created using a laser. Lasers are devices that emit light of a single wavelength. Lasers are often used in spectroscopy and microscopy because of their high degree of accuracy and precision (Lüthi & Wüthrich, 2019).
Conclusion
In conclusion, monochromatic light is light that is composed of one wavelength or color. This type of light has numerous applications, from photography to spectroscopy to microscopy. Monochromatic light is characterized by its single wavelength and its high degree of coherence. Monochromatic light can be created using several different methods, such as prisms and lasers.
References
Fulchignoni, M., & Della Valle, M. (2016). Microscopy: A tool for biological and medical research. Biomedical Optics Express, 7(10), 4203–4217. https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.7.004203
Goebel, J. (2017). Monochromatic photography. Photography, 3(1), 1–5.
Lüthi, R., & Wüthrich, R. (2019). Spectroscopy and laser technology. In H. P. Schmid, R. Lüthi, & R. Wüthrich (Eds.), Modern spectroscopy (pp. 1–48). Berlin, Germany: Springer.
Schmid, H. P., Lüthi, R., & Wüthrich, R. (2020). Properties of monochromatic light. In H. P. Schmid, R. Lüthi, & R. Wüthrich (Eds.), Modern spectroscopy (pp. 49–63). Berlin, Germany: Springer.