0

So we can modify light outside of the visible spectrum via sophisticated lenses with the result being a new frequency inside the visible spectrum.

What I would like to do is different. I would like to explore (with my eyes) the edges of the visible spectrum i.e. red and violet. Ideally, I would love to have a light bulb, which emits light of any frequency required. That way I will make it red, and then decrease the frequency until it becomes invisible. That is, I am curious how sharp is the drop-off in our eyes' transfer function with frequency.

Trouble is, I don't have any laboratory equipment. All I have is an oscilloscope, breadboard and basic knowledge of controlling LEDs.

Is this feasible? I would expect a compromise solution as well, e.g. wait for a rainbow and look at it's edges.

Community
  • 1
Vorac
  • 690

2 Answers2

1

Take a light-source spreading over the visible spectrum (e.g. light bulb, sun light) and decompose this light with a prism. You can as well wait for the next rainbow or make it yourself on a sunny day.

Timeless
  • 143
1

Can I see the edges of the visible spectrum at home?

The edges of the visible spectrum do not exist. They are like the edges of the audible spectrum which you can try to find using this Online Tone Generator. Can you identify with precision the lowest and the highest frequency you are able to hear?

pardaillan
  • 213
  • 1
  • 3