Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
These examples assume a vacuum path with refractive index equal to 1.
| Transition Energy | Computed Wavelength | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 10 eV | 123.9841984 nm | Far ultraviolet transition |
| 100 eV | 12.3984198 nm | Soft X-ray boundary |
| 1 keV | 1.239842 nm | X-ray instrumentation |
| 10 keV | 123.9841984 pm | High energy X-ray |
| 1 MeV | 1.239842 pm | Gamma transition |
Formula Used
Primary relation: λ = hc / ΔE
Frequency: f = ΔE / h
Wavenumber: ν̃ = 1 / λ
Photon momentum: p = ΔE / c
Medium wavelength: λmedium = λvacuum / n
Use direct transition energy when you already know the photon energy. Use upper and lower levels when the emitted or absorbed energy gap must be computed first.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select whether you know the transition energy directly or from two levels.
- Enter the energy values and choose the correct unit.
- Pick the wavelength unit you want for the reported answer.
- Set refractive index to 1 for vacuum calculations.
- Press calculate to view wavelength, frequency, momentum, and the plot.
- Use the export buttons to save the calculated summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does this calculator return?
It converts a transition energy into wavelength. It also reports medium wavelength, frequency, wavenumber, period, photon momentum, equivalent temperature, and a spectral region label.
2. Can I enter two energy levels instead of one gap?
Yes. Choose the two-level method. The calculator subtracts the lower level from the upper level to obtain the transition energy before computing wavelength.
3. Which energy units are supported?
The form accepts joules, electronvolts, kiloelectronvolts, megaelectronvolts, and gigaelectronvolts. This covers many engineering, spectroscopy, X-ray, and gamma transition workflows.
4. Why does wavelength shrink as energy rises?
The relationship is inverse. Because wavelength equals hc divided by energy, higher transition energy always produces a shorter photon wavelength.
5. When should I change refractive index?
Keep refractive index at 1 for vacuum. Change it when you need wavelength inside a medium, where propagation wavelength becomes shorter by the factor n.
6. Is the chart useful for design work?
Yes. The plot quickly shows how sensitive wavelength is to energy changes around your chosen value, which helps with comparison and rapid engineering checks.
7. What if I accidentally swap upper and lower levels?
The calculator automatically reorders them and uses a positive energy gap. A note appears in the result section so you can verify the normalization.
8. Are the CSV and PDF exports based on my result?
Yes. After calculation, both export buttons save the current result summary so you can document or share the computed transition outputs.