Do photons of different energies interact with each other?

In summary, according to the conversation, photons can interact with each other through the creation of other particles. The question of whether they have to have the same wavelength to interact is uncertain, as it is possible for them to interact with unequal wavelengths in a Lorentz frame. However, the concept of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle makes their relative position uncertain if they have exactly the same wavelength. While it is not possible to produce photons with exactly the same wavelength, the argument for their interaction with unequal wavelengths remains valid. There is also recorded evidence of this phenomenon in the field of two-photon physics, as described in the provided link.
  • #1
181
7
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?
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Use of the term "dead centre" demands caution about the rest. Where is the 'centre' of a photon? That's a meaningless question.
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • Like
Likes Dale
  • #4
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.
 
  • #5
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.
 
  • #6
Is there any recorded evidence of this effect?
 

1. Do photons of different energies interact with each other?

Yes, photons of different energies can interact with each other through a process called photon-photon scattering. This occurs when two photons collide and exchange energy, resulting in a change in their direction or wavelength.

2. How does the interaction between photons of different energies affect their properties?

The interaction between photons of different energies can affect their properties in several ways. It can change their direction, alter their polarization, and even create new particles through the conversion of energy into matter.

3. Can the interaction between photons of different energies be observed?

Yes, the interaction between photons of different energies can be observed in certain experimental conditions. For example, high-energy photons can be produced in particle accelerators and their interactions can be detected through the emission of other particles.

4. What are the consequences of photon-photon scattering in astrophysics?

Photon-photon scattering plays a crucial role in astrophysics, particularly in understanding the behavior of high-energy particles in the universe. It is responsible for phenomena such as the production of gamma-ray bursts and the absorption of high-energy photons in the interstellar medium.

5. Is the interaction between photons of different energies significant in everyday life?

The interaction between photons of different energies is not significant in everyday life because it requires extremely high energies and specialized conditions to occur. However, it is an important phenomenon in the study of particle physics and astrophysics.

Suggested for: Do photons of different energies interact with each other?

Replies
12
Views
730
Replies
17
Views
979
Replies
1
Views
598
2
Replies
63
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
13K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top