Doppler Shift and photons with a wavelength of one Plank length

In summary, the conversation discusses whether a machine can accurately detect the wavelength of a photon and if this has any implications for String Theory. It is mentioned that there are theories of quantum gravity that predict a discrete spectrum of lengths, but it is necessary to treat the situation quantum mechanically rather than classically. This means that the expectation value of the length is contracted, not the spectrum of values of the operators.
  • #1
l3un1t
1
0
If this is the wrong place to be posting this, feel free to lock this thread. I wasn't sure if this belonged in "classical physics" or "quantum physics"; this seemed like the appropriate place, but I'm not 100% certain, as it does involve subatomic particles.

Anyways, to get to the matter at hand.

Suppose I had a machine that could detect the wavelength of a photon. If this machine moved directly toward a photon with a wavelength of one Plank length ( so that the photon and the machine would collide perpendicularly), what wavelength would the machine register? Would it register a wavelength of less than one Plank length?

If so, does this have any implications for the validity of String Theory? If not, why?
 
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  • #2
I don't think anyone would assert that the plank length is the smallest unit of length, so smaller is certainly okay. There are theories of quantum gravity that predict a discrete spectrum of lengths, with there being a fundamental one. This thought experiment was thought to discredit the idea of having a smallest unit of length, but it is not the case. This is because we must treat the situation quantum mechanically, not classically. Then what is contracted in the expectation value of the length, not the spectrum of values of the operators.
 

Related to Doppler Shift and photons with a wavelength of one Plank length

1. What is the Doppler Shift and how does it relate to photons with a wavelength of one Plank length?

The Doppler Shift is a phenomenon in which the observed wavelength of a wave or photon changes due to the relative motion between the source and the observer. This means that if the source of the photon is moving towards the observer, the observed wavelength will be shorter (blueshifted), and if the source is moving away from the observer, the observed wavelength will be longer (redshifted). This applies to photons with any wavelength, including those with a wavelength of one Plank length.

2. How is the Doppler Shift calculated for photons with a wavelength of one Plank length?

The calculation of the Doppler Shift for photons with a wavelength of one Plank length is the same as for any other wavelength. It is determined by the formula: Δλ/λ = v/c, where Δλ is the change in wavelength, λ is the original wavelength, v is the relative velocity between the source and observer, and c is the speed of light.

3. What is the significance of a photon with a wavelength of one Plank length in the study of the Doppler Shift?

A photon with a wavelength of one Plank length is the smallest possible wavelength according to the Plank length theory, which is the smallest distance that can be measured in the universe. Therefore, studying the Doppler Shift of such a small wavelength can provide insights into the fundamental laws of physics and the behavior of light at the most microscopic level.

4. Can the Doppler Shift be observed for photons with a wavelength of one Plank length?

Currently, it is not possible to observe photons with a wavelength of one Plank length due to the limitations of our technology. However, scientists are constantly working towards improving our understanding and observation of the universe, so it may be possible in the future.

5. How does the Doppler Shift affect our perception of the universe?

The Doppler Shift is an essential tool for astronomers and cosmologists in studying the universe. It allows us to measure the relative motion of celestial objects, such as stars and galaxies, and provides evidence for the expansion of the universe. Without the Doppler Shift, our understanding of the universe and its evolution would be limited.

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