What is the role of photon-photon collisions in the creation of the universe?

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential for photon-photon collisions and their impact in quantum physics experiments. It is mentioned that photons can interact indirectly through the creation of virtual particles, but direct interaction between two photons is not possible. The possibility of photon-photon collisions during the early stages of the Big Bang is also mentioned, leading to the creation of matter. However, these collisions have not been observed experimentally due to their small cross-section.
  • #1
Blogical
26
0
Photon collision physics?

Can anybody explain the physics behind the collision of two photons if they do collide, also what are the phenomenon which arise due to this collision, do such collisions have any impact in experiments in quantum physics involving photons!
 
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  • #2


hi...
Though i am not sure , but reading your question it occurred to me as if you are talking about two photons hitting each other...May be to interfere (create an interference pattern), though this is a wave phenomenon as per classical physics. But quantum should be able to digest this...
I am looking forward to an answer to your question, because it is definitely interesting.
 
  • #3


Photons interact directly only with objects that are charged, so there is no direct interaction between two photons. Photon-photon scattering in principle can occur indirectly through the creation of virtual particles such as electron-positron pairs. See this diagram. Such processes have been studied but never observed experimentally since the cross-section is very small.
 
  • #5


Could you please quote the part in this Wikipedia page where photon-photon collisions are mentioned.
 
  • #7


Bill_K said:
Could you please quote the part in this Wikipedia page where photon-photon collisions are mentioned.

The earliest phases of the Big Bang are subject to much speculation. In the most common models the Universe was filled homogeneously and isotropically with an incredibly high energy density and huge temperatures and pressures and was very rapidly expanding and cooling. Approximately 10−37 seconds into the expansion, a phase transition caused a cosmic inflation, during which the Universe grew exponentially.[18] After inflation stopped, the Universe consisted of a quark–gluon plasma, as well as all other elementary particles.[19] Temperatures were so high that the random motions of particles were at relativistic speeds, and particle–antiparticle pairs of all kinds were being continuously created and destroyed in collisions. At some point an unknown reaction called baryogenesis violated the conservation of baryon number, leading to a very small excess of quarks and leptons over antiquarks and antileptons—of the order of one part in 30 million. This resulted in the predominance of matter over antimatter in the present Universe.[20]

My underline. Creation resulted from photon-photon collisions.
 

1. What is photon collision physics?

Photon collision physics is the study of the interactions between photons (particles of light) and other particles, such as electrons or protons. These collisions can lead to the creation or destruction of particles, and are important in understanding fundamental forces and the structure of matter.

2. How do photons collide with other particles?

Photons can collide with other particles through two main processes: Compton scattering and pair production. In Compton scattering, a photon interacts with an electron, transferring some of its energy and changing direction. In pair production, a photon with enough energy can create an electron-positron pair.

3. What is the significance of studying photon collisions?

Studying photon collisions allows us to understand the fundamental forces and interactions that govern the universe. It also helps us to understand the structure and properties of matter, and has practical applications in fields such as particle accelerators and medical imaging.

4. How are photon collisions studied?

Photon collisions are studied using high-energy particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. Scientists can also observe the results of photon collisions through detectors, which measure the particles and energy produced in the collision.

5. What are some current research topics in photon collision physics?

Some current research topics in photon collision physics include studying the properties of the Higgs boson, searching for new particles beyond the Standard Model, and investigating the nature of dark matter. Scientists are also working to improve our understanding of the strong and weak nuclear forces through photon collisions.

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