Chirality of the electromagnetic force on atomic matter

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the chirality of the electromagnetic force as it interacts with atomic matter, challenging the notion that left and right photons behave identically due to parity conservation. It highlights that P-symmetry is generally broken in our universe, particularly when light interacts with electrons influenced by the weak force, which does not conserve parity. The conversation raises questions about estimating the practical chirality of photons in relation to atomic matter and explores the search for anomalous electromagnetic phenomena, specifically optical activity in non-chiral substances like argon and 4He, as well as the concept of atomic parity violation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of P-symmetry and its implications in particle physics
  • Familiarity with the Standard Model of particle physics
  • Knowledge of the weak force and its effects on electromagnetic interactions
  • Basic concepts of optical activity and chirality in materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research atomic parity violation and its implications in particle physics
  • Investigate the role of the weak force in electromagnetic interactions
  • Explore optical activity in non-chiral substances and related phenomena
  • Examine review articles on anomalous electromagnetic phenomena and chirality
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, researchers in particle physics, and anyone interested in the implications of chirality in electromagnetic interactions and atomic matter.

Incnis Mrsi
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It’s commonly held that left and right photons interact with matter in exactly the same way, because electromagnetism “conserves parity”. But we know that P-symmetry, in our world, is generally broken. Even according to the Standard Model, when light propagates through some media, it interacts with electrons, that are subject to the weak force that isn’t parity-conserving.

Can any estimate of “practical” chirality of the photon wrt atomic matter be made? Was there any search for anomalous electromagnetic phenomena related to chirality? Such as optical activity in substances whose physics may not be chiral. Examples of substances without any anticipated form of either structural chirality or angular momentum are argon (all natural isotopes are even), 4He, Th 16O2, but substances that are racemic only statistically (in average) can be considered as well.
 
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This is called atomic parity violation. Google it, and a number of review articles will appear.
 

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