Do photons of different energies interact with each other?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interactions of photons, particularly whether photons of different energies (or wavelengths) can interact with each other and under what conditions such interactions might occur. Participants explore theoretical aspects, potential thresholds for interaction, and implications of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference links suggesting that photons can interact through the creation of other particles, questioning whether they need to have the same wavelength to do so.
  • There is a proposal that if two photons collide head-on, a Lorentz frame could be found where their wavelengths appear equal, raising questions about the validity of this approach with unequal wavelengths.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the implications of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in relation to photons having exactly the same wavelength and the uncertainty of their relative positions.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the feasibility of producing photons with exactly the same wavelength, yet argue that the theoretical considerations may still hold.
  • A request for recorded evidence of photon interactions is made, indicating a desire for empirical support for the theoretical claims discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions under which photons interact, particularly regarding the necessity of equal wavelengths and the implications of quantum mechanics. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on theoretical frameworks and assumptions about photon behavior, as well as the unresolved nature of the mathematical implications of the arguments presented.

sqljunkey
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According to this link photons can interact with each other through the creation of other particles. My questions are do they have to have the same wavelength to be able to interact with one another? Is there a threshold where they start to interact with each other?
 
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Use of the term "dead centre" demands caution about the rest. Where is the 'centre' of a photon? That's a meaningless question.
 
sqljunkey said:
According to this link photons can interact with each other through the creation of other particles. My questions are do they have to have the same wavelength to be able to interact with one another? Is there a threshold where they start to interact with each other?

If two photons are approaching each other in a head on collision, it should be possible to find a Lorentz frame where the photon wavelengths are equal (anyone correct me if I'm wrong). So, if this higher order process of photon-photon scattering is possible for photons of same wavelength, then it should be possible with unequal wavelengths too.
 
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hilbert2 said:
a Lorentz frame where the photon wavelengths are equal
How does Heisenberg allow that? If they have 'exactly' the same wavelength the their relative position it totally uncertain.
 
sophiecentaur said:
How does Heisenberg allow that? If they have 'exactly' the same wavelength the their relative position it totally uncertain.

Yes, you can't produce photons with exactly the same wavelength anyway, but my argument is still probably valid for this purpose.
 
Is there any recorded evidence of this effect?
 

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