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
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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  • #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.
 
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  • #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 scattering. This occurs when a photon collides with another particle or photon, causing it to change direction or energy.

2. Can photons of different energies cancel each other out?

No, photons of different energies cannot cancel each other out. This is because photons are quantum particles and do not have a negative charge, so they cannot cancel each other out like waves do.

3. How does the energy of a photon affect its interaction with other photons?

The energy of a photon affects its interaction with other photons through the process of scattering. Higher energy photons are more likely to scatter off of other particles or photons, while lower energy photons are less likely to interact.

4. Can photons of different energies pass through each other?

Yes, photons of different energies can pass through each other without interacting. This is because photons do not have a charge and do not experience electromagnetic forces, so they can pass through each other without affecting each other.

5. Are there any exceptions to the interaction of photons with different energies?

There are some exceptions to the interaction of photons with different energies. For example, in certain materials, high energy photons can be absorbed and converted into lower energy photons, or multiple low energy photons can combine to form a higher energy photon.

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