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Understanding Low-Frequency Oscillations

The millihertz (mHz) is a unit of frequency equal to 10⁻³ hertz, meaning one cycle occurs every 1,000 seconds or roughly 16.7 minutes. This low-frequency range is important in fields such as seismology, astrophysics, and geophysics, where it describes slow, periodic events that unfold over minutes to hours.

In astrophysics, millihertz frequencies are commonly observed in solar oscillations and stellar pulsations, providing key information about the internal structure and dynamics of stars. These oscillations help scientists understand energy transport, magnetic activity, and the life cycles of stars.

In geophysics, millihertz frequencies correspond to long-period seismic waves generated by earthquakes or volcanic activity. These waves travel long distances through the Earth’s interior and can reveal valuable data about its composition and structure.

Additionally, millihertz frequencies are relevant in oceanography and atmospheric science for studying tides, slow atmospheric waves, and other natural cycles that influence climate and weather patterns.

Because millihertz oscillations have relatively long periods and wavelengths, they allow researchers to probe processes that develop over extended timeframes and large spatial scales, bridging the gap between faster waves and ultra-low-frequency phenomena.

Bridging the Gap Between Microwaves and Infrared

The terahertz (THz) is a unit of frequency equal to 1 trillion hertz (10¹² Hz), or one trillion cycles per second. This frequency range lies between the microwave and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, often called the "terahertz gap" because it is challenging to generate and detect these waves efficiently.

Terahertz waves have unique properties that make them valuable for a variety of scientific, medical, and security applications. In medical imaging, terahertz radiation can penetrate clothing and other non-metallic materials without the harmful effects associated with X-rays, making it promising for non-invasive diagnostics. In security, terahertz scanners are used to detect concealed weapons and substances at airports.

In physics and material science, terahertz spectroscopy helps analyze molecular structures, chemical compositions, and semiconductor properties with high precision. The high frequency of terahertz waves also makes them useful in ultra-fast wireless communication technologies aiming to provide data transfer rates far beyond current Wi-Fi and 5G speeds.

Despite its potential, terahertz technology is still developing, with ongoing research focused on improving sources and detectors to unlock more practical and widespread applications.