Elektromagnetic field ~ probability amplitudes

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between electromagnetic fields, represented by their electric (E) and magnetic (B) components, and the probability amplitudes of a Schrödinger wave function. It explores whether the E and B fields can provide sufficient information to derive the probability of detecting a photon within a specific volume and time interval. The conversation highlights the limitations of interpreting the electromagnetic field as a single-particle wave function, emphasizing that it is a massless spin-1 field and lacks a proper position operator for photons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic fields (E and B components)
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics and Schrödinger wave functions
  • Knowledge of relativistic quantum field theory
  • Concept of probability amplitudes in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of massless spin-1 fields in quantum mechanics
  • Study the role of probability amplitudes in photon detection
  • Explore the limitations of position operators in quantum field theory
  • Investigate the relationship between electromagnetic fields and quantum probabilities
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in the intersection of electromagnetic theory and quantum probability. This discussion is particularly relevant for those studying photon behavior and quantum field theory.

birulami
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Given an electromagnetic field by its components E and B. How is this related to probability amplitudes of a Schrödinger wave function for the same field.

Trying the same or at least a similar question from a different angle: given the E and B field, can we derive from it, in principle, not considering solvability, the probability of registering a photon within a certain (small) volume and time interval?

If not, which piece of information is missing. Yet another angle on the question: do the E and B field contain all the information for the probabilities or is there something missing?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The electromagnetic field is a relativistic massless spin-1-field. There is no physically sensible interpretation of it as a single-particle wave function as for massive particles in non-relativistic (Schrödinger) quantum mechanics. There is not even a proper position operator for photons!
 

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