Photon as composite of electron and positron

In summary: It is interesting to note that while the photon does not form strong bonds, it does form bound states. This is a result of the weak interactions that photons have.
  • #1
K S Mallesh
4
0
A photon annihilates into an electron and a positron (both having spin 1/2). The reverse process is also a reality. Can the photon therefore be viewed as a composite of an electron and a positron having a total spin 1?
 
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  • #2
K S Mallesh said:
A photon annihilates into an electron and a positron (both having spin 1/2). The reverse process is also a reality. Can the photon therefore be viewed as a composite of an electron and a positron having a total spin 1?

I once thought this until I discovered that pair production by the photon can also yield other particles.

http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0111460
V. A. Kudryavtsev
(Submitted on 23 Nov 2001)

Abstract: Production of muon pairs by high-energy photons in electromagnetic and hadronic showers in atmosphere has been calculated.

But I wouldn't be discouraged by what I say. A day doesn't go by that someone here at the forum doesn't ask a question about photon's. I have the feeling that no one is even close to understanding light.
 
  • #3
A bound state of electron and positron is well-known in nature and it is not stable as it will decay in two photons in 125 picoseconds for the singlet case. This is called positronium. So, photons should be regarded as truly elementary particles unless a more fundamental theory is found with other building blocks.

Anyway you can see this by yourself as electrons and positrons can have only weak and electromagnetic interactions and while the former cannot form bound states due to their extreme weakness, the latter forms bound states but with bound energy of the order of eV making the bonding not that strong. Besides, due to quantum electrodynamics, this bound is not even stable. You should note here a difference with respect to atoms.

Jon
 
  • #4
Lester said:
A bound state of electron and positron is well-known in nature and it is not stable as it will decay in two photons in 125 picoseconds for the singlet case. This is called positronium. So, photons should be regarded as truly elementary particles unless a more fundamental theory is found with other building blocks.

Anyway you can see this by yourself as electrons and positrons can have only weak and electromagnetic interactions and while the former cannot form bound states due to their extreme weakness, the latter forms bound states but with bound energy of the order of eV making the bonding not that strong. Besides, due to quantum electrodynamics, this bound is not even stable. You should note here a difference with respect to atoms.

Jon

Dear Sir,
Thanks for your reply which contains reasonable aspects that do not favour such composite nature for photons
 

What is a photon?

A photon is a fundamental particle that is the basic unit of light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. It has zero mass and carries energy and momentum.

How is a photon related to an electron and positron?

A photon is not a composite of an electron and positron, but rather it can be created by the annihilation of an electron and positron. When an electron and positron collide, they can produce a photon with energy equal to their combined mass-energy.

Can a photon be broken down into smaller particles?

No, a photon is considered to be an elementary particle, meaning it cannot be broken down into smaller components. It is a point particle with no internal structure.

What is the role of photons in the electromagnetic force?

Photons are the carriers of the electromagnetic force, meaning they mediate the interaction between charged particles. This force is responsible for all electromagnetic interactions, including light, electricity, and magnetism.

How do scientists study photons?

Scientists study photons through various experiments and observations, such as using particle accelerators to create and detect them. They also use advanced technologies, like telescopes and detectors, to study the properties and behavior of photons in different environments.

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