MIT scientists have discovered a process called “photomolecular effect”. This phenomenon attests for the first time that water can evaporate without heat sourceonly thanks to light. This revelation challenges established theories about the interaction between light and water.
The research team conducted a series of 14 careful experiments to prove that photons in the visible light spectrum can “detach” groups of water molecules exposed to air. This discovery has considerable implications in various fields:
- Climatology
- Meteorology
- Energy production
- Water purification
Professor Xiulin Ruan of Purdue University, not involved in the study, highlights the importance of this breakthrough: “This research is among the few truly groundbreaking discoveries that are not immediately accepted by the community, but take time to be confirmed. »
Solving a long-standing climate conundrum
This discovery could solve a mystery that has intrigued scientists for 80 years: why do clouds absorb more light than theory predicts? For decades, climatologists and meteorologists were baffled by this phenomenon which seemed to defy the laws of physics.
The photomolecular effect provides a plausible explanation for this anomaly. It suggests that the interaction between light and water in clouds is more complex than previously thought. This new understanding could have significant impacts on:
- Climate models
- Weather forecasts
- Our understanding of the water cycle
Professor Gang Chen of MIT, involved in the research, points out: “Clouds are the most uncertain aspect of climate models. This discovery could significantly improve our understanding of their role in climate. »
Practical applications and future perspectives
Beyond its theoretical importance, this discovery opens the way to many practical applications. Researchers are already considering uses in the field of solar desalination, making it possible to produce fresh water more efficiently than current techniques.
This phenomenon could also have implications in the development of revolutionary materials that perfectly absorb all electromagnetic waves, opening new perspectives in the field of electronics and telecommunications.
Here is an overview of the areas potentially impacted by this discovery:
| Domaine | Potential applications |
|---|---|
| Energy | New solar energy production systems |
| Environment | Improved climate models |
| Water resources | More efficient desalination techniques |
| Technologies | Development of new materials |
Shannon Yee, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech, not involved in the research, emphasizes the importance of this discovery: “Who would have thought that we would still learn something so fundamental about the evaporation of water, an everyday phenomenon? »
This scientific breakthrough shows once again that even the most common phenomena can conceal unsuspected secrets. It reminds us of the importance of fundamental research and its potential to transform our understanding of the world around us.
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