Jump to content

Theory of transparent materials.


cyeokpeng

Recommended Posts

I reckon we have to use quantum mechanics to explain why glass can transmit visible light through but not objects like ceramics and metals. In addition, why is glass able to block off or reflect totally certain cutoff wavelength of radiation in the infrared range? We know that because this is the mechanism of Greenhouse Effect.

 

In addition, I know that when light propagates and is incident on a material, 3 things can happen. Certain range of wavelength of light is absorbed and other ranges of light is reflected, which is the basis of the theory of colors. Lastly, light can also be transmitted right through the material if the material is transparent to this range of wavelength of light. How can we explain that quantum mechanically?

 

Also, as I have learned, as EM waves of certain wavelength is incident on a cystal lattice, it can get Bragg reflected and there will be peaks at certain angles depending on whether Bragg condition is satisfied and also on the atomic structure factor (ASF directly affects the intensity of the peaks in addition to controlling certain disallowed diffraction planes). Can someone shed some light on this esp. on the atomic structue factor as I still do not understand the mechanism of how the atomic structure factor affects totally disallowed 1st diffraction planes and also on the intensity of the diffraction peaks observed at allowed diffraction planes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In QM, everything is, well, quantified. Lets say that you need $1 to get on the train, and the money collector is only collecting exact change. If you have $2 you cant get in, if you have 1.01, you cant get in (of course, 1.01 cant happen in QM).

 

Lets say a photon’s frequency is x. If x is the frequency it needs to be remitted, then it will be. If x is whats needed to be observed and remitted at another wave length, then it will be etc. And, as you’d guess, the same holds true negatively and conversely.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lets say a photon’s frequency is x. If x is the frequency it needs to be remitted, then it will be. If x is whats needed to be observed and remitted at another wave length, then it will be etc. And, as you’d guess, the same holds true negatively and conversely.

 

So, why is it that glass permitts so many different frequencies through, as opposed to just one or two?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So, why is it that glass permitts so many different frequencies through, as opposed to just one or two?
Pure guess: it likely is related to the fact that glass is a supercooled liquid. The amorphous micro-structure must some how facilitate the passage of light. Most transparent 'things' are fluid, most opaque 'things' are solid.

Too tired to google for the truth.icon7.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Which is why I said 'most'. Mercury is unusual anyway.

Not just quartz crystals are transparent, there are plenty of others too. Interesting point there is the question of purity. Most (there's that word again) opaque or translucent minerals either contain some impurity or are part of continuous reaction series. The transparent ones, like quartz, have a very pure composition and consequently a very uniform crystaline structure.

Again, just thinking out loud.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You vindicated my uneasy feeling when I wrote that, but it's been a couple of decades since I had to worry about binary eutectics, phase transitions and the like. I suspected someone might challenge me on it. Thanks for setting me straight and for the useful link.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

ad[/b']sorption? neverheard of that please more info Swansont!

 

Very basically it's molecules sticking to a surface. The attraction is fairly weak and you don't form a chemical bond, in the case of physisorption (IIRC it's van der Waal's forces) You can usually undo it by heating the solid. A lot of filtration uses this method, like charcoal filtering of water.

 

If you do form a bond, it's known as chemisorption.

 

And if we Google on the right terms...Here is more.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes

 

Let's take for example glass. Glass is transparent to the visible light spectrum and shorter wavelength EM radiation like the UV light. However, glass is opaque (or block/totally reflect) infrared radiation and radio waves (Not sure about radio waves. Correct me if I m wrong) which are your EM spectrum at longer wavelengths.

 

It also depends on the material. Most materials are opaque to a lot of frequencies of EM radiation, otherwise you can see through your tables, walls and most of your common materials.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.