Physics of Mirrors
What do we learn about physics in this experiment at ETH Zurich? The two acoustic mirrors on the Hönggerberg campus show on a large scale how experiments with tiny particles work in physics labs. The experiment is temporarily in storage due to construction work. Recommissioning is planned for early summer 2022.
Experience research in a playful way
A long known phenomenon illustrates modern research methods. From ancient Greece to the present day, experiments have been carried out with curved “mirrors” to bundle waves or particles and thereby amplify them: from sound and water waves to radio and light waves to matter waves of electrons. The acoustic mirrors illustrate on a large scale what happens in laboratories on the Hönggerberg campus in some quantum research experiments. The shape of these mirrors follows their function, but their design is unique thanks to the collaboration between the Departments of Physics and Architecture.
Mirrors in quantum research
Basic research investigates the behaviour of tiny particles such as individual ions or photons. The wavelengths of visible light are only one millionth of a meter. Nonetheless, light waves behave similarly to sound waves, which have wavelengths in the range of one meter. Light particles and sound can both be captured between mirrors and thus be amplified. In quantum research, amplification serves to make these extremely small particles better observable.
Sound and noise everywhere
Every day, we hear sounds of all sorts and yet in our everyday lives we do not deal much with the diversity of it. A look at the website of the external page EMPA Acoustics / Noise Reduction Department shows how complex and exciting the subject is. Kurt Heutschi supported the students in the external page MAS Digital Fabrication as an acoustics consultant.