Does a single photon have a wavelength?

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    Photon Wavelength
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether a single photon possesses a wavelength and the implications of this on the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. Participants explore theoretical aspects, implications of wave-particle duality, and experimental observations related to photons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if a single photon has a wavelength, it could violate the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, as a definite wavelength implies zero uncertainty in momentum.
  • Others argue that a single photon with a definite wavelength leads to infinite uncertainty in position, as a pure wave extends across infinite space.
  • A participant shares an experimental observation of diffracted monoenergetic photons, noting that each photon exhibited the same wavelength within a small margin of error.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the validity of the uncertainty principle, suggesting that it leads to paradoxical conclusions regarding particles like electrons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether a single photon can be said to have a wavelength without violating the uncertainty principle. Multiple competing views remain, with some supporting the idea of a wavelength and others challenging its implications.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on definitions of wavelength and uncertainty, as well as the unresolved nature of how these concepts apply to single photons versus wave packets.

feynmann
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If a single photon has a wavelength, would it violate Heisenberg Uncertainty principle?
Since photon is a particle, that means it can be represented by a wave packet. But wave packet can not have definite wavelength, only pure wave can have wavelength
 
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One form of the uncertainty principle is that the uncertainty in momentum (delta p) multiplied by the uncertainty in position (delta x) is greater than some minimum number. A single photon with a definite wavelength (uncertainty zero) is one limiting case. With definite wavelength, you know it has a definite momentum. The uncertainty principle implies that you have infinite uncertainty in the position. Consider that a single wave stretches across infinite space. So you can't define a position for an infinite wave. In order to try and make the wave start to have a shape at some position, you have to add other wavelengths. So the uncertainty in momentum starts to go up while the uncertainty in the position starts to come down. At the other end of this that you have to add an infinite number of wavelength together in order to put the wave packet at a single location. So you now have definite (zero uncertainty) position but infinite uncertainty in the momentum.
 
I have diffracted monoenergetic photons through a Bragg diffraction crystal with an angular resolution of a few seconds of arc at a very low counting rate. every photon had the same wavelength within about 1 part in 1000.
 
No one can answer this question correctly.

For example, when you accelerate one electron to the definite momentum,
the electron can jump to the point at infinity.

It is a ridiculous thing of the uncertainty principle.
 

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