Photon Wave Functions: Beyond the Wave/Particle Duality

In summary, microscopic matter particles and photons both have associated wave functions. The wave functions of photons correspond to classical electromagnetic waves, but there is a difference in the reality of EM waves and matter probability waves. This is due to the dualism between wave and particle for EM waves and photons, compared to matter. The EM waves consist of two oscillating fields and the four-potential A^mu serves as the wave function for photons. As bosons, photons can exist in the same state, resulting in classical strength EM fields. However, there is no counterpart for the wave function of an electron.
  • #1
Ratzinger
291
0
Microscopic matter particles have associated wave functions, so do photons.
The (probability) wave functions of photons are the classical EM waves.
But don’t have EM waves another reality than matter probability waves? Isn’t the wave/ particle dualism of another kind for EM-waves/ photons than for matter? I mean, EM waves consist of two oscillating fields.

thanks
 
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  • #2
The E and B-field are in quantum mechanics really secondary.
 
  • #3
The four-potential A^mu is the wave function of a photon.
Because photons are bosons, there can be many photons in the same state so that classical strength EM fields occur. There is no counterpart for the WF of an electron.
 
  • #4
Ahhh yes, that makes sense to me..thanks Meir Achuz
 

1. What is the concept of wave/particle duality in relation to photons?

The concept of wave/particle duality refers to the idea that particles, such as photons, can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behaviors. This means that photons can behave as discrete particles with specific energy and momentum, but they can also exhibit wave-like properties such as interference and diffraction.

2. How does understanding photon wave functions go beyond the wave/particle duality?

Understanding photon wave functions allows us to describe the behavior of photons in more detail, going beyond the simple duality between waves and particles. This concept considers photons as probability waves, where the amplitude of the wave represents the probability of finding a photon at a specific location. This provides a more comprehensive understanding of the behavior of photons.

3. What is the significance of studying photon wave functions?

Studying photon wave functions is crucial in fields such as quantum mechanics, optics, and photonics. It allows us to understand and predict the behavior of photons in various situations, which is essential for technological advancements in fields such as communication, imaging, and energy harvesting.

4. Can photon wave functions be observed or measured?

No, photon wave functions cannot be directly observed or measured. They are mathematical descriptions that help us understand and predict the behavior of photons. However, we can indirectly observe the effects of photon wave functions through experiments such as the double-slit experiment.

5. How do photon wave functions relate to the uncertainty principle?

The uncertainty principle states that the position and momentum of a particle cannot be known simultaneously. In the case of photons, the uncertainty principle is related to the wave-like nature of photons. This means that the more precisely we know the position of a photon, the less certain we are about its momentum, and vice versa. The concept of photon wave functions helps us understand and quantify this uncertainty.

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