At what wavelengths should we search for signals from extraterrestrial intelligence? (SETI/infrared communication/interstellar communication/extraterrestrial intelligence)

Abstract

Searches for extraterrestrial intelligence concentrate on attempts to receive signals in the microwave region, the argument being given that communication occurs there at minimum broadcasted power. Such a conclusion is shown to result only under a restricted set of assumptions. If generalized types of detection are considered, in particular photon detection rather than linear detection alone, and if advantage is taken of the directivity of telescopes at short wavelengths, then somewhat less power is required for communication at infrared wavelengths than in the microwave region. Furthermore, a variety of parameters other than power alone can be chosen for optimization by an extraterrestrial civilization