The Physics of Light Propulsion :: Physics Science Technology Essays

The Physics of Light Propulsion Imagine a mode of exaltation which allows a contrivance to ride upon a beam of ignite. This craft uses nigh no fuel, simply the air around us. The uses for such a craft would be endless, foundation small satellites into orbit and in the future launching vessels much like todays shuttles. This idea is no womb-to-tomb a product of science fiction but rather a reality. It is all made possible by the physics which controls everything in our chance(a) lives.There argon two main comp iodinnts to this light propelled craft. The light fountain is a precision high-powered optical maser beam. The craft is a large, super polished parabolic reflect that is designed to capture the laser beam. With the laser in a fixed position on the ground the mirror focuses the beam, rapidly heating the air, creating a wave of heated air come in the back. This forces the vehicle in the opposite direction. As the beam is rapidly pulsed, the vehicle is continuousl y propelled forward.The laser pointer which many people now hold around on key chains was not thought as such a trivial toy or gadget ten-spot years ago. The laser technology itself is a very complicated endeavor. The bare(a) circuitry has evolved from years of work to make the theory behind the amplification of light possible.Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation or LASER, is best understood by beginning at the atomic aim where the basis of an atom and its talent levels can be identified. In even off the most basic chemistry class the atomic structure is one of the first lessons which is taught. The circular shells of an atom are placed around the substance with the electrons placed on these levels. Two in the first layer, eight in the next continuing on to the appropriate number.These shells are formed because electrons are limited to a series of fixed values, this is an example of quantization1. The law of saving of energy is applied in that an elect ron may fall to a lower shell, but in doing this it must give up an list of energy equal to the difference between the two levels. This energy is condition up as light. Light is also considered to be quantized. It can be represented as groups of photons. Each photon carries one quantum of light energy. The amount of energy in a quantum depends on the wavelength of the light or the frequency.