Light is the fundamental source of energy on Earth. Light is of various wavelengths classified based on its properties and behaviour. Light exhibits various properties like Diffraction, Reflection, Refraction, Polarisation and Interference. Electromagnetic radiations consist of various wavelengths of light.
Monochromatic lights are single-wavelength light, where mono refers to single, and chroma means colour. Visible light of a narrow band of wavelengths is classified as monochromatic lights. It features a wavelength within a short wavelength range. These lights are distinguished by their intensity or brightness, colour, direction of propagation, and state of polarisation.
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Source and Applications of Monochromatic Light
The familiar source of monochromatic light is the LASER. LASER is abbreviated as Light Amplification By Stimulated Emission Of Radiation. A laser light results from one atomic transition with a specific single wavelength, which results in a monochromatic light beam.
Applications
Ultraviolet monochromatic devices are used in crime detection to scan specific and delicate evidence. Monochromatic light helps to recognize hidden bloodstains, fingerprints, fibres, and lesions under the skin.
Monochromator
When we talk about light and spectrum, we are certain that one would have heard of a device known as spectrophotometers. This device measures the intensity of light by measuring the amount of photons absorbed by the solution. Spectrophotometers are used to determine the amount of chemical substance in a particular substance by measuring the intensity of light.
To transmit the particular narrow band of frequency, a device known as a monochromator is used. A monochromator uses the phenomenon of dispersion or diffraction. Monochromators are used to provide spectral isolation of the wavelengths from a light source beam. Polychromatic light is separated using a monochromator into a range of individual wavelengths. Narrowband among these individual wavelengths are selected to be separated.
The separation of lights into individual wavelength components is known as dispersion. In this device, a slit is used to block the unwanted wavelengths and pick a narrow band of wavelengths.
Two types of monochromators are:
- Prism monochromators
- Grating monochromators
In the prism monochromators, a prism is used as a dispersive element, and in grating monochromators, a reflecting diffraction grating is used as a dispersive element.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Monochromatic Light
What type of light is LASER?
Monochromator is used to separate which type of light?
What are spectrophotometers used for?
What are the types of monochromators?
- Prism monochromators
- Grating monochromators
What is the dispersive element used in grating monochromators?
Does light behave like a wave?
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