2006-08-20 05:29:48 · 5 answers · asked by realquietcool 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Turns out that some laser wavelengths (green for example) can penetrate ocean water reasonably well. They are used to detect underwater submarines and obstacles, for example. [See source.]
2006-08-20 05:50:25 · answer #1 · answered by oldprof 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depending on the wavelength and power, laser light can penetrate water. Of course if you want the actual laser electronics underwater, you're going to have to water proof it.
2006-08-20 12:36:04 · answer #2 · answered by Nerdly Stud 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely!
In practice, there are generally impuities in the water that eventually scatter your beam at some depth. But water is clear, light goes right through it.
this is where the simple answer ends, the rest of this doesn't really matter:
n1*sin(x1)=n2*sin(x2) equation actually can use water and air to show that all that happens is light will bend as it enters the water...it won't go straight, it will angle off as it enters the water...but it will still enter the water if your angle isn't too shallow and you don't reflect the light right off the surface...
2006-08-20 14:26:34 · answer #3 · answered by SteveO From Iowa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope
2006-08-20 12:35:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. But most of them tend to be rather rapidly attenuated.
Doug
2006-08-20 12:37:14 · answer #5 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋