What is a photon?

Ghenadie N. Mardari

doi:10.1117/12.758675

31 August 2007 What is a photon?

Ghenadie N. Mardari

Proceedings Volume 6664, The Nature of Light: What Are Photons?; 66640X (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.758675
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In quantum mechanics, light cannot be described in terms of waves and particles at the same time. However, the question about light "as it really is" implies a description that is independent from the constraints of measurement. It is rather preferable to incorporate both aspects in a causal ontological theory, especially if it simplifies explanation and improves predictions. Hence, the photon can be described as an extended longitudinal association of discrete indivisible constituents, which are held together by the effect of their own waves on each other. The same waves can then be used to interpret the force of interactions between different pulses of light, or between light and matter. The concept of wavemediated interaction between sub-photonic entities is entirely consistent with the observations of quantum mechanics. The key is to assume that elementary sources of waves never collide, and that they have constant parameters. Novel experimental implications follow from this approach. For example, the speed of propagation of changes within magnetic or electrostatic fields may not be equal to the speed of light. Also, interference fringes should be detectable beyond the volume of overlap of two non-entangled beams, but only in special experimental settings.

Citation Download Citation

Ghenadie N. Mardari "What is a photon?", Proc. SPIE 6664, The Nature of Light: What Are Photons?, 66640X (31 August 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.758675

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KEYWORDS

Sensors

Interferometers

Particles

Wave propagation

Signal detection

Magnetism

Quantum mechanics

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