Exploring the Speed of Single Photons: Breaking the c Barrier

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In summary, the speed of a single photon is less than the speed of light (c), which is the speed of light in a vacuum. This is not affected by the number of photons or the phase velocity and group velocity. The speed of light is defined as the group velocity of an electromagnetic wave, which is equal to the ratio of the wave's angular frequency (ω) and wave number (k). From a quantum perspective, the position of a single particle is uncertain, but this uncertainty only applies while the photon is in transit. When measured between emission and reception in a vacuum, the speed of a photon is always exactly c. The term "vacuum" is commonly used when discussing the speed of light, but there is no rigorous
  • #1
toe21k
The Speed of Single Photon is less than c [?]
 
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  • #2
C is the speed of light in a vacuum. This does not depend on the number of photons.
 
  • #3
phase velocity and group velocity

c is defined as group velocity of EM wave:
[tex]\frac{\omega}{k}[/tex]
I think c of one photon is less meaning.
From the point fo quantum,position of one particle is uncertain.
 
  • #4


Originally posted by nocturn
From the point fo quantum,position of one particle is uncertain.
That is true, but only while in transit. The speed measured between when photon is emitted and received (in a vacuum) is always exactly C.
 
  • #5
russ_watters,

That is true, but only while in transit. The speed measured between when photon is emitted and received (in a vacuum) is always exactly C.

What do you mean by "vacuum", as you used it in that paragraph? I mean, the term is always used when talking about the SOL, but I don't think I have ever read a rigorus definition of "vacuum" when it is used in conjunction with the SOL.
 
  • #6
It is sure media will effect on particles.I think there are two different phrases in physics, classical and modern.Here,measurement the former,photon the later.QM says photon is spreading in space. One can get its state function also its probability of some classical quantities,energy,momentum,etc. and other,spin,degenerate... which have not corresponding concepts in class.But when we measure,an action of classical,photon will collapse and has a certain E,M,Position,etc. In this meaning, photon is not a photon of "quantum",only classical.
 

1. What is the speed of a single photon?

The speed of a single photon is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second, which is the speed of light in a vacuum, also known as the "c" constant.

2. Can a single photon travel faster than the speed of light?

No, according to the theory of relativity, the speed of light is the maximum speed at which any object can travel. Therefore, a single photon cannot travel faster than the speed of light.

3. How is the speed of single photons being explored?

Scientists are using advanced techniques and technologies, such as quantum entanglement and quantum teleportation, to study the behavior and speed of single photons. These experiments involve measuring the time it takes for a single photon to travel between two points.

4. Why is it important to study the speed of single photons?

Understanding the speed of single photons is crucial in many areas of science, including quantum computing, telecommunications, and space exploration. It also helps us better understand the fundamental properties of light and the universe.

5. What implications could breaking the "c" barrier have?

If scientists were able to break the "c" barrier and find a way for single photons to travel faster than the speed of light, it would challenge our understanding of the laws of physics and potentially open up new possibilities for faster communication and travel. However, this is still a theoretical concept and has not been proven to be possible at this time.

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