# Damping Term of a Photon

Typically photon attenuation is determined by the equation $I = I_0 \cdot e^{ - (\mu \cdot z)}$. The variable mu is the linear attenuation coefficient and z is the distance traveled through the substance of transport. Is it safe to say that $I_0 \cdot e^{ - (\mu \cdot z)}$ is the damping term of the electromagnetic wave for the photon? My question is can I write $I(z,t) = I_0 \cdot e^{ - (\mu \cdot z)} \cdot e^{i \cdot (k \cdot z - \omega \cdot t)}$.

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Yes. Carry on.

Photon

I can’t carry on any further my question is stated. Am I being unclear?

ehild
Homework Helper
Watts said:
Typically photon attenuation is determined by the equation $I = I_0 \cdot e^{ - (\mu \cdot z)}$. The variable mu is the linear attenuation coefficient and z is the distance traveled through the substance of transport. Is it safe to say that $I_0 \cdot e^{ - (\mu \cdot z)}$ is the damping term of the electromagnetic wave for the photon? My question is can I write $I(z,t) = I_0 \cdot e^{ - (\mu \cdot z)} \cdot e^{i \cdot (k \cdot z - \omega \cdot t)}$.

What do you mean on I? If it is electric or magnetic field intensity, your formula is right if that wave travels in direction z, in a homogeneous isotropic medium. If I is the intensity your formula is wrong. Moreover, the wave is damped, not the photon. Damping means that the number of photons decreases with the distance travelled in an absorbing medium.

ehild

Intensity

I is the intensity.

ehild
Homework Helper
Watts said:
I is the intensity.
The intensity changes as

$$I=I_0 e^{-\mu z}$$

ehild