Exploring the Possibility of Photon Bose-Einstein Condensates

In summary, other elementary particle bosons can also theoretically form BE condensates, but photons are the clearest example. Alkali nuclei and other atomic gasses require low temperature for BE condensation due to thermal fluctuations.
  • #1
touqra
287
0
Can we have a photon BE condensate? Theoretically, can graviton and gluons and all other force propagators make BE condensates?
 
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  • #2
Er... photons ARE already in a BE condensate! They are the clearest example of such a thing.

Zz.
 
  • #3
ZapperZ said:
Er... photons ARE already in a BE condensate! They are the clearest example of such a thing.

Zz.

What about other kind of elementary particle bosons?

Why does alkali nuclei need low temperature to achieve BE condensate?
 
  • #4
touqra said:
What about other kind of elementary particle bosons?

Why does alkali nuclei need low temperature to achieve BE condensate?

There are already other BE condensates, even in atomic gasses. You need low temperature for these because thermal fluctuations destroy long-range coherence.

Zz.
 

1. What is a photon Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC)?

A photon BEC is a state of matter in which a large number of photons, the elementary particles of light, are cooled down to extremely low temperatures and occupy the same quantum state. This results in a coherent and dense cloud of photons, exhibiting unique properties such as superfluidity and coherence.

2. How is a photon BEC created?

A photon BEC is created by trapping photons in a cavity, typically made of mirrored surfaces, and cooling them to temperatures close to absolute zero. This is achieved through the use of specialized techniques such as laser cooling and evaporative cooling.

3. What are the potential applications of photon BECs?

Photon BECs have the potential to be used in various fields such as quantum computing, high-precision measurements, and advanced imaging techniques. They can also be used to study fundamental physics concepts, such as the interplay between light and matter.

4. What are the challenges in exploring the possibility of photon BECs?

One of the main challenges in exploring photon BECs is achieving the extremely low temperatures required for their formation. This requires complex and precise experimental setups, as well as specialized cooling techniques. Additionally, controlling and manipulating the photons in the BEC can be difficult due to their quantum nature.

5. What is the current state of research on photon BECs?

The field of photon BECs is still relatively new and ongoing research is focused on improving techniques for creating and controlling them. Scientists are also exploring potential applications and investigating the fundamental properties of these unique states of matter.

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