Are Entangled Photons the Same Particle?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of entangled photons, which are 2 photons that share a single wave function. The speaker suggests that considering them as a single entity may aid in understanding their nature and other mysteries in physics.
  • #1
freerangequark
17
0
Has it or can it be proven whether a "pair" of entangled photons are really the same photon (or not)?

Thanks,
FRQ
 
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  • #2
A pair of entangled photons is 2 photons. They share a single wave function. There are a variety of ways to demonstrate this. Can you tell us why you would think that 2 photons are really 1?
 
  • #3
DrChinese said:
A pair of entangled photons is 2 photons. They share a single wave function. There are a variety of ways to demonstrate this. Can you tell us why you would think that 2 photons are really 1?

It might be used as a basis of trying to understand their nature. Kinda like considering higher dimensions in an effort to unraveling other mysteries in physics.

FRQ
 

1. What are entangled photons?

Entangled photons are a pair of photons that are connected in such a way that the state of one photon is dependent on the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them.

2. How are entangled photons created?

Entangled photons are typically created through a process called spontaneous parametric down-conversion, where a high-energy photon is split into two lower-energy photons with opposite polarizations.

3. Are entangled photons the same particle?

No, entangled photons are not the same particle. They are two separate photons that are connected through quantum entanglement.

4. What is the significance of entangled photons?

Entangled photons have significant implications in the field of quantum mechanics, particularly in the study of quantum entanglement and quantum teleportation. They also have potential applications in quantum computing and cryptography.

5. Can entangled photons be un-entangled?

Yes, it is possible to break the entanglement between two photons through various methods such as measuring one of the photons or introducing outside interference. This results in the loss of entanglement and the photons becoming independent of each other again.

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