A zettahertz represents one sextillion cycles per second. This extreme frequency scale is primarily used in theoretical physics and advanced photonics to describe ultra-high-energy electromagnetic radiation, such as cosmic gamma rays. Measuring frequencies at this level requires indirect observation of particle interactions rather than direct wave measurement.
Heard on the job
The theoretical model predicts a gamma-ray burst peaking around a zettahertz before decaying.
Insider tip
Frequencies in the zettahertz range correspond to photon energies in the mega-electronvolt scale, placing them firmly in nuclear and particle physics.