Can Loop Variables Transform Photons into Closed Flux Lines?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of photons and whether they can be conceptualized as lines of force or flux that can form closed loops. Participants explore the implications of this idea, referencing both theoretical concepts and recent news stories related to photons.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a photon could be considered a line of force or flux that closes to form a loop.
  • Others argue against this notion, stating that a photon is not a line of force and does not leave a trail as it travels.
  • A participant suggests that the concept of a photon leaving a trail may be a misinterpretation of wavelength diagrams.
  • One participant references a news story about a "Photon Mobius Strip," questioning if this represents a closed loop.
  • Another participant notes that while photons do not form a circle, their polarization can exhibit Möbius-like characteristics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on whether photons can be conceptualized as lines of force or flux that form loops, with multiple competing views presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of terms like "line of force" and "flux," as well as the implications of the Möbius strip analogy in relation to photon behavior.

HawkI
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Loop variables: A line of force or flux that is closed to form a loop.

Can a Photon be a line of force or flux that closes to form a loop?
 
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A photon is not a "line of force", whatever that is supposed to mean.
 
Well I guess as the Photon travels it leaves a trail, unless I've been taking the diagrams of wavelengths to literally. So would you say a Photon is instead a line of flux?
 
HawkI said:
Well I guess as the Photon travels it leaves a trail
It does not.
HawkI said:
unless I've been taking the diagrams of wavelengths to literally.
Yes, way to literally.
HawkI said:
So would you say a Photon is instead a line of flux?
No. A photon is not a line of anything.
 
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So I guess that means then that Photons can not circle around and form loops. There again recently this news story came along 'Photon Mobius Strip' http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/physics/mobius-strip-made-light/

Would you say this is a closed loop?

Good to know I have been to literal with wave length diagrams :)

Edit: I genuinely just remembered this news story, I'm not trying to play ace cards up my sleeve here, I'm not trying to catch people out like a detective or lawyer.
 
The photons don't form a circle. The polarization as function of space can be Möbius-like.
 
Awesome, well thank you, my question has been answered.
 

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