Amount of energy required to change path of a photon

In summary, the conversation discusses the amount of energy required to change the path of a photon by an infinitesimal amount and whether there are any energy effects involved in single particle interference. It is suggested that in elastic scattering, only momentum is changed and not energy. The discussion also touches on the idea that to change the path of something, energy transfer may be necessary, but this is not the case as the energy of the photon remains unchanged in deflection.
  • #1
San K
911
1
What is the amount of energy required to change path/trajectory of a photon by an infinitesimal amount?

In a single particle (double slit) interference, the photons land up on one of the interference fringes. (when no-which-way)

If we were to place a magnet to try to slightly change the path of the photon, (say from one of the fringes to a blob in-between)how much of the electromagnetic energy would be required? (relative to the one quanta of energy of the photon)

alternatively

are there any energy effects involved in (single particle) interference?

...the path of the photon is getting changed (after all, atleast per some of the interpretation of QM) from fringe to no-fringe co-ordinates
 
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  • #3
The amount of energy needed to change a trajectory of a particle is zero - in elastic scattering, only momentum is changed, not energy. I think in principle this should also hold for a photon.
 
  • #4
Thanks JTbell and Sonderval.

The photon lands on a different x-coordinate when we do which-way, than when we don't.

The photon's path is being changed.

To change the path of something isn't energy (transfer) required?
 
  • #5
If you simply deflect something its energy is unchanged. Therefore no energy /can/ be transferred, by conservation of energy.
 

FAQ: Amount of energy required to change path of a photon

What is the amount of energy required to change the path of a photon?

The amount of energy required to change the path of a photon depends on the medium through which it is passing. In a vacuum, the amount of energy required is zero. However, in a medium such as air or water, the amount of energy required is dependent on the refractive index of the medium.

How does the refractive index of a medium affect the energy required to change the path of a photon?

The refractive index of a medium is a measure of how much the speed of light is reduced when it passes through the medium. The higher the refractive index, the more the speed of light is reduced and the more energy is required to change the path of a photon.

Can the energy required to change the path of a photon be calculated?

Yes, the energy required can be calculated using the formula E=hf, where E is the energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is the frequency of the photon. The frequency of a photon can be calculated by dividing the speed of light by its wavelength.

What factors besides the medium's refractive index can affect the amount of energy required to change the path of a photon?

The energy required to change the path of a photon can also be affected by the angle at which the photon enters the medium, as well as the properties of the material the medium is made of, such as its density and temperature.

Is it possible to change the path of a photon without using any energy?

Yes, it is possible to change the path of a photon without using any energy if the photon is passing through a vacuum. In a vacuum, the speed of light is constant and no energy is required to change its path.

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