Harmonic Oscillator: Types and Applications

Technological progress is due to the study of physical phenomena, discoveries in the quantum field and other spheres. At the same time, new devices and devices are invented, through which it is possible to conduct various studies and explain the phenomena of the microworld. One of such mechanisms is a harmonic oscillator, the principle of action of which was known even by representatives of ancient civilizations.

Device and its types

A harmonic oscillator is a mechanical system that is in motion, which is described by the equation of a linear differential with coefficients of constant value. The simplest examples of such devices are a load on a spring, a pendulum, acoustics systems, the motion of molecular particles,

Conventionally, the following types of this device can be distinguished:

• A simple harmonic oscillator - here the system, when inferred from the rest position, is under the action of the force F, which can be expressed by the formula F = -kx, where k is the stiffness coefficient of the given system, and x is the displacement. In this case, F is the only component that affects the oscillations.
• Linear harmonic oscillator - here the motion occurs in one plane along a straight trajectory. Also this system is called one-dimensional, oscillations are made under the action of the force of a quasi-elastic nature.
• Damped model - here the system is also influenced by the frictional force, which is directed against the motion and acts in proportion to the speed of this oscillation. In this case, the damping process is usually characterized by a parameter that does not have a dimension and is called a Q-factor. This value is a property of the system that determines the ratio of the energy reserve to its losses in one oscillation period.

Application of the device

This device is used in various fields, mainly to study the nature of oscillatory systems. Quantum harmonic oscillator is used to study the behavior of photon elements. The results of experiments can be used in various fields. Thus, physicists from the American Institute have discovered that beryllium atoms, located at fairly large distances from each other, can interact at a quantum level. In this case, the behavior of these particles is similar to bodies (metal balls) in the macrocosm moving in a forward-backward order, similar to a harmonious oscillator. Beryllium ions, despite physically large distances, were exchanged for the smallest units of energy (quanta). This discovery allows to significantly advance IT-technologies, and also gives a new solution in the production of computer equipment and electronics.

A harmonic oscillator is used in the evaluation of musical works. This method is called spectroscopic research. It was established that the most stable system is the composition of four musicians (quartet). And modern works are mostly anharmonic.