Momentum of light increases when it passes through a material: IISER Scientists
Q. According to scientists from IISER, Mohali, momentum of light_________ when it passes through a material in a discovery made on 11th October 2015.- Published on 12 Oct 15a. Increases
b. Decreases
c. Remains the same
d. None of the above
ANSWER: Increases
Hermann Minkowski and Max Abraham came up with opposite equations that both seemed to be supported by polar experimental data, as far as the question of what happens to the momentum of light is concerned. Using indigenous equipment, IISER scientists have found the former was correct and light does enter another medium and gain momentum. At angles close to TIR, the water surface was discovered to be bent upwards due to the pressure exerted by the photon beam and was spread to 100 times in excess of the area of the pumped laser. The analysis demonstrated that the light particles actually gained momentum. The equipment designed can also help in the development of better biosensors, lab-on-chip devices, easily reconfigurable lenses and molecular imaging tools.
