RESONANCE – SCI & TECH

News: Organic molecules pumped to resonance

 

What's in the news?

       Interacting emitters are the fundamental building blocks of quantum optics and quantum information devices.

       Pairs of organic molecules embedded in a crystal can become permanently strongly interacting when they are pumped with intense laser light.

 

Resonance:

       Resonance is a phenomenon that occurs when an external force matches the natural frequency of an object, leading to a significant increase in amplitude or vibration.

       It's commonly observed in various systems, including mechanical, electrical, acoustic, and even biological systems.

 

Features:

       In a mechanical system, like a swing or a pendulum, resonance occurs when an external force is applied at the right frequency, causing the object to oscillate with greater amplitude.

       In electrical circuits, resonance can occur when the frequency of an applied alternating current matches the natural frequency of the circuit, leading to increased current or voltage amplitudes.

 

Applications:

1. Musical Instruments:

       Resonance is crucial in the design and function of musical instruments.

       Instruments like guitars, violins, and pianos rely on resonance to amplify sound vibrations produced by strings or air columns.

       The resonance of the instrument's body or soundboard enhances the tone and volume of the produced sound.

 

2. Wireless Communication:

       Resonance is utilized in antennas and radio frequency (RF) circuits for wireless communication.

       Resonant circuits are used to select specific frequencies for transmission and reception, improving the efficiency and range of communication systems.

 

3. Medical Imaging:

       In Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), resonance is exploited to create detailed images of internal body structures.

       By subjecting the body to a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses at the resonant frequency of hydrogen atoms, MRI scanners can detect the emitted signals and produce high-resolution images for medical diagnosis.

 

4. Structural Engineering:

       Resonance is a critical consideration in structural engineering to prevent structural failures caused by resonance-induced vibrations.

       Engineers design structures like bridges, buildings, and aircraft to avoid resonance with external forces such as wind or seismic waves, ensuring structural stability and safety.

 

5. Electrical Power Systems:

       Resonance can occur in electrical power systems due to interactions between inductive and capacitive components.

       Engineers use techniques such as power factor correction and impedance matching to mitigate resonance effects and ensure the efficient transmission and distribution of electrical power.

 

6. Sensors and Actuators:

       Resonance-based sensors and actuators are used in various applications, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and ultrasonic devices.

       These devices exploit resonance to detect or generate specific mechanical or acoustic signals with high sensitivity and accuracy.

 

7. Acoustic Engineering:

       Resonance is utilized in acoustic engineering for designing sound systems, concert halls, and noise control solutions.

       Engineers optimize the resonance properties of acoustic structures to enhance sound quality, minimize echoes, and control unwanted noise in indoor and outdoor environments.

 

8. Materials Science:

       Resonance techniques such as Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) are used in materials science to study the mechanical properties of materials.

       By subjecting materials to controlled vibrations at their resonant frequencies, researchers can analyse properties like elasticity, stiffness, and internal damping.