Are Photons Truly Particles or Simply Waves?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of photons, questioning whether they should be considered particles or waves. It explores concepts related to the photoelectric effect, the which-way experiment, and photon antibunching, with a focus on theoretical interpretations and experimental evidence.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that photons cannot be particles, suggesting that the photoelectric effect does not definitively prove their particle nature.
  • One participant proposes that electrons are emitted due to the wave front's penetration into the metal, disturbing atomic bonds, and connects this to the frequency threshold for electron emission.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of understanding the which-way experiment and photon antibunching before forming a belief about photons' nature.
  • References to various experiments are provided as examples to support claims about photon behavior, including the which-way experiment and antibunching experiments.
  • A participant expresses willingness to bet on the assertion that the minimum frequency of light corresponds to the longest wavelength that can fit between the lattice structure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the interpretation of photons as either particles or waves, with no consensus reached on the matter. Multiple competing views are presented, particularly concerning the implications of experimental evidence.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on specific interpretations of experimental results, and there are references to prior knowledge that may not be universally shared among participants. The discussion highlights the complexity of the topic, with various assumptions and conditions influencing the arguments.

barquentine
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I really don't believe that photons can be particles.
Supposedly the photoelectric effect "proves" they are.
I believe that electrons are emitted as a result of short-distance penetration of the wave front into the metal, disturbing the bonds. This would also fit the known fact that the frequency of light must be above a certain value or electrons are not emitted. I'm betting that the minimum frequency corresponds to the longest wavelength that can "fit between" the lattice structure.
Comments please?
 
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barquentine said:
I really don't believe that photons can be particles.
Supposedly the photoelectric effect "proves" they are.
I believe that electrons are emitted as a result of short-distance penetration of the wave front into the metal, disturbing the bonds. This would also fit the known fact that the frequency of light must be above a certain value or electrons are not emitted. I'm betting that the minimum frequency corresponds to the longest wavelength that can "fit between" the lattice structure.
Comments please?

You need to explain the which-way experiment and the photon antibunching experiment before you settle into your "belief".

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
You need to explain the which-way experiment and the photon antibunching experiment before you settle into your "belief".

Zz.
Please provide references.
 
barquentine said:
Please provide references.

I've provided references to these many times over on here. You're welcome to do a search in the QM forum (where this should have been posted in the first place). Furthermore, aren't you a bit worried that you are not aware of such experiments, yet you have no problem with making outright statements with such confidence? One normally has to do a lot of "homework" first to make sure one knows everything there is to know out there before proclaiming something.

Example of which way experiment: J.J. Thorn et al. Am. J. Phys. v.72 p.1210 (2004).

Example of antibunching experiment: any single-photon sources paper or H. Paul, Rev. Mod. Phys. v.54, p.1061 (1982).

Example of multiphoton photoemission: K. Giesen et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. v.55, p.300 (1985); W.S. Fann et al., Phys. Rev. B v.44, p.10980 (1991).

Zz.
 
barquentine said:
I'm betting that the minimum frequency corresponds to the longest wavelength that can "fit between" the lattice structure.
Comments please?
I'll take that bet. How much you want to make it?
 

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