What causes a single photon to propagate in an infinite spacetime?

In summary, the conversation discusses a hypothetical scenario involving a massless, classically zero curvature, infinite spacetime with a single actual photon propagating. The first question about what motivated the photon to propagate cannot be answered. The second question addresses whether the photon's trajectory or energy is affected by the spacetime vacuum energy, to which the response is that the vacuum energy would not have an impact in a universe without gravity. The discussion also touches on the uncertainty principle and the possibility of energy being borrowed from the vacuum, creating a particle-antiparticle pair that then annihilates into two gamma photons. However, it is uncertain whether this makes sense in the given scenario. The second question about the photon's trajectory and energy remains unanswered.
  • #1
Loren Booda
3,125
4
Imagine a massless, classically zero curvature, infinite spacetime in which propagates a single actual photon. What eventually motivated this photon to propagate, and does its trajectory or energy vary due to the spacetime vacuum energy?
 
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  • #2
It's impossible to answer the first question. I believe the answer to the second is that the vacuum energy would be completely irrelevant in a universe without gravity. If the photon actually has a trajectory depends on the state it's in. If it's a momentum eigenstate, its position is smeared out over the entire universe.
 
  • #3
Given an infinite time, we can use the uncertainty principle to argue that energy is borrowed from the vacuum, a particle-antiparticle pair for example is created and the particles then annihilate into 2 gamma photons which travel in opposite directions, instead of going back into the vacuum. Then, if you want, you can ignore one of them (I wonder if this makes sense?). I can't answer the second question.
 

What is a photon?

A photon is a tiny particle of light that carries energy and has zero mass. It is the smallest unit of electromagnetic radiation and is responsible for the propagation of light and other forms of electromagnetic energy.

How are photons created?

Photons are created when an atom's electrons move from a higher energy level to a lower energy level. This can occur through various processes such as thermal excitation, chemical reactions, and radioactive decay.

What is the source of photon propagation?

The source of photon propagation is the emission of photons from an excited atom or particle. This can occur naturally, such as in stars and other celestial bodies, or artificially through devices like lasers and LEDs.

What factors affect the propagation of photons?

The propagation of photons can be affected by several factors, including the medium through which they are traveling, the frequency or wavelength of the photons, and any obstacles or interference that they encounter along their path.

Can photons travel forever?

In theory, photons can travel forever if they do not encounter any obstacles or interactions that would cause them to lose energy or change direction. However, in reality, they will eventually be absorbed by matter or scatter off particles in their path, limiting their propagation distance.

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