Exploring the Potential of Photon-Based Currents

In summary, photons act as the force carrier for the electromagnetic force, but they do not carry charge. While they cannot produce a current, they can be used for tasks such as wireless power transmission and information transfer. Therefore, while an electron-less current is not possible with only photons, they can serve similar purposes as traditional currents in electronic circuits.
  • #1
lufc88
52
0
The photon is the force carrier of the electromagnetic force, I'm not talking about photonics but hasn't the effect of every electric current dc or ac ever been due to photons acting only? In theory couldn't we have an electron-less current due to only photons but still with the same effects?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
No, because photons do not carry charge. They mediate force, but you still need something to carry the actual current.
 
  • #3
As f95toli said a photon cannot produce a current, but photons can do a lot of what we want to use current for. For example, you can use them to transmit power wirelessly as well as transmitting information. Those are the two main uses of currents in electronic circuits.

So, no, you cannot ever make a current out of photons, but yes you can do many of the same things that you usually want to do with currents by using photons instead.

Btw, there is usually no need to actually think about photons in this context, just fields.
 

1. What is an electric current of photons?

Electric current of photons refers to the flow of photons, or units of light energy, through a medium. It is often described as the movement of electromagnetic waves through a conductor.

2. How is an electric current of photons different from traditional electric current?

An electric current of photons differs from traditional electric current in that it does not involve the movement of electrons. Instead, photons carry the energy through the medium without a physical transfer of particles.

3. What is the importance of studying electric current of photons?

Studying electric current of photons is important because it allows us to understand the fundamental nature of light and its behavior. It also has practical applications in fields such as telecommunications and solar energy.

4. Can electric current of photons be harnessed for practical use?

Yes, electric current of photons can be harnessed for practical use. For example, in solar panels, photons are converted into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. In fiber optic communication, photons are used to transmit information through optical fibers.

5. How is electric current of photons measured?

Electric current of photons can be measured using a device called a photodetector, which converts light energy into an electric current. The intensity of the electric current can then be measured using traditional methods, such as ammeters.

Similar threads

  • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
666
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
970
Replies
61
Views
2K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
12
Views
735
Replies
4
Views
277
Replies
21
Views
2K
Back
Top