TESLAbikář - Light as man has never seen it before
Light is a fascinating phenomenon that plays a key role in our daily lives. From the fastest speed of light in a vacuum to the brightest artificial light, records for light and illumination transcend the boundaries of science and technology. Let's take a look at some of the most interesting world records that show just how incredible and versatile light can be.
Fastest Light Speed in the Lab
The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 metres per second, a fundamental physical constant. However, in 2019, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) created an experiment that made it possible to delay, accelerate or completely stop the pulse of light using special materials. This discovery shows how we can manipulate the speed of light, which has potential applications in communications and quantum computing.
Brightest Artificial Light
In 2018, scientists at the Center for Ultrafast Laser Science (CULS) in the US created the world's most powerful artificial light. Using ultrashort laser pulses, they achieved intensities of up to 300 terawatts (TW). This record-breaking power enables the study of new physical phenomena and has applications in materials science and medicine.
Longest Photon Teleport
In 2017, scientists in China achieved a record for quantum teleportation, when they transmitted the quantum state of a photon over a distance of 1,200 kilometres using a satellite link. This achievement represents a significant step forward in quantum communication and secure information transfer, showing how new technologies can harness the unique properties of light.
Longest Distance Over Which Light Has Been Transmitted by Fibres
In 2012, scientists from the Japanese company NTT set a record for transmitting light over an optical fibre over a distance of 69.8 kilometres without the use of repeaters. This feat has made a significant contribution to advancing the development of high-speed internet and telecommunications technologies that depend on the efficient and reliable transmission of light.
The Brightest Natural Light on Earth
Sunlight is one of the brightest natural light phenomena on Earth. The sun emits a tremendous amount of energy, only a small fraction of which reaches the Earth. At the Earth's surface, sunlight can reach an intensity of up to 1,361 watts per square metre, known as the solar constant. This natural light is crucial for life on Earth and affects many aspects of our daily lives.
Longest Visibility of Light at Sea
In 1990, visibility of the lighthouse on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands was recorded from mainland Morocco, a distance of approximately 418 kilometres. This record was achieved due to the special atmospheric conditions that allowed light to travel such a great distance, and shows how important lighting can be for navigation and safety at sea.
Light and illumination play a vital role in our lives, enabling scientists and engineers to make incredible feats and discoveries. From the fastest speed of light to the longest photon teleport, these records show just how fascinating and versatile light can be. Stay tuned for more developments in this field as the future of light and lighting promises even more surprising discoveries and innovations.