A Question about Spin Induced Magnetic Moment

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the question of whether photons possess a spin-induced magnetic moment. It is established that photons do not have a magnetic moment due to their lack of charge, in contrast to electrons, which are charged particles and possess a magnetic moment. The interaction of photons can be analyzed using their wave functions, represented as \Psi_{p,\sigma} and \Psi_{p',\sigma'}, coupled to an electromagnetic current. The charge conjugation quantum number plays a crucial role in this analysis, indicating that the interaction results in a net charge of zero, confirming that photons do not have a spin-induced magnetic moment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly spin and magnetic moments.
  • Familiarity with charge conjugation quantum number and its implications in particle physics.
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic interactions and current coupling in quantum field theory.
  • Basic grasp of wave functions in quantum mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of charge conjugation quantum number in particle physics.
  • Study the properties of spin and magnetic moments in charged particles, focusing on electrons.
  • Explore electromagnetic interactions in quantum field theory, particularly photon interactions.
  • Learn about wave function representations and their applications in quantum mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the properties of photons and their interactions in the context of particle physics.

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Does photon has spin induced magnetic moment? I think the answer is no. But why? You know, electron has. Does this have something to do with the fact that electron is massive while photon massless?:confused:
 
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Primarily, it's because the electron is a charged particle and the photon is not.
 
Some guy says it has something to do with photon's charge conjugation quantum number. If you have two photons' wave function [tex]\Psi_{p,\sigma}, \Psi_{p',\sigma'}[/tex], you can couple them to a electromagnetic current to measure the interaction and magnetic moment:

[tex](\Psi_{p',\sigma'},J^\mu\Psi_{p,\sigma})[/tex]

But RHS has charge conjugation number +1 while LHS has charge conjugation number -1. So it's zero!

I couldn't understand charge conjugation quantum number, though this theory sounds fancy.
 

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