Behind every colour lies exact science – the arrangement of atoms, molecular bonds, light spectra – and it is precisely at this point, between molecules and colours, that materials science and new innovations develop. In anticipation of Researchers' Night, researchers at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) share stories about the interaction of colour and science in our daily work and laboratory experiments.
On roads and highways on hot summer days, the road far ahead often seems to shimmer and glisten like a puddle of water – perhaps you have observed this phenomenon before. Did you know that this process is identical to the one behind stories of unfortunate desert travellers who suddenly see a tropical oasis that can seemingly never be reached? Research Assistant at the Optical Materials Laboratory Miļena Dile-Jemeļjaņenko explains mirages and light refraction.
“A mirage is an optical illusion caused by temperature gradients. The hot air near the surface (most commonly, near the ground) is less dense than the cooler air above it, causing light waves to bend, or refract. This effect is a crucial topic for researchers – the atmosphere constantly refracts and affects light, which poses a major obstacle in fields like astronomy and laser communications, where we need to see clear images of celestial bodies and rapidly, precisely transmit or receive information.”
“How do we overcome these obstacles? With optics. By using mirrors and advanced sensors, we can dynamically correct these wavefront deformations in real time. By understanding and neutralizing this same 'mirage effect,' researchers are able to obtain sharper telescope images, enhance microscopy capabilities, and ensure the flawless operation of lasers,” says Miļena.
In the Optical Materials Laboratory, ISSP UL develop innovative materials and technologies with broad applications in both science and industry. They synthesize functionalized glasses, optical ceramics, and ferroelectric materials, enabling the development of advanced photonics solutions and other next-generation devices, such as real-time optical spectroscopy sensors for water quality analysis.
Discover more colourful scientific wonders in the article series Between Molecules and Colors!
