Is the Electromagnetic Field a Classical or Quantum Field?

In summary, the difference between classical and quantum fields lies in the application of Lagrangian and canonical quantization. The electromagnetic field can be described as a classical field through Maxwell's equations, but can also be described as a quantum field through Quantum Electrodynamics. Second quantization is the process of applying canonical quantization to obtain a quantum field theory, where the excitations are photons.
  • #1
dilna
3
0
how we can differentiate classical and quantum fields?i searched everywher..but i did not get a satisfactory answer
 
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  • #2
In QFT the fields are operators that obey a commutation relation.
 
  • #3
electromagnetic field is a classical field or quantum field?in quantum we speak in erms of photons...if we go for second quantisation to electromagnetic field what we will get??
 
  • #4
dilna said:
electromagnetic field is a classical field or quantum field?in quantum we speak in erms of photons...if we go for second quantisation to electromagnetic field what we will get??

Um... there is a Lagrangian that gives the electromagnetic field, working with this field classically one obtains a classical field theory (Maxwell's equations, etc.), if one instead applies canonical quantization to this Lagrangian one gets a quantum field theory (Quantum Electrodynamics). Second quantization IS quantum field theory, the excitations in this case are photons.
 

1. What is the difference between classical and quantum fields?

Classical fields are described by classical mechanics and follow classical laws of motion, while quantum fields are described by quantum mechanics and follow quantum laws of motion.

2. How are classical and quantum fields related?

Quantum fields can be seen as a more advanced version of classical fields, as they take into account the principles of quantum mechanics and can describe phenomena on a subatomic level.

3. What are some examples of classical fields?

Some examples of classical fields include the electric and magnetic fields, gravitational fields, and fields of fluid flow.

4. What are some examples of quantum fields?

Quantum fields include the electromagnetic field, the Higgs field, and the fields of various subatomic particles such as electrons and quarks.

5. How are classical and quantum fields used in scientific research?

Classical and quantum fields are used in a wide range of scientific research, from understanding the behavior of matter and energy in the universe to developing advanced technologies such as quantum computing and particle accelerators.

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