Editing Frequency (section)

=== Heterodyne methods ===
Above the range of frequency counters, frequencies of electromagnetic signals are often measured indirectly utilizing [[heterodyning]] ([[frequency changer|frequency conversion]]). A reference signal of a known frequency near the unknown frequency is mixed with the unknown frequency in a nonlinear mixing device such as a [[diode]]. This creates a [[heterodyne]] or "beat" signal at the difference between the two frequencies.  If the two signals are close together in frequency the heterodyne is low enough to be measured by a frequency counter. This process only measures the difference between the unknown frequency and the reference frequency. To convert higher frequencies, several stages of heterodyning can be used. Current research is extending this method to infrared and light frequencies ([[optical heterodyne detection]]).