High energy photons can indeed be received as multiple lower energy photons through processes like spontaneous parametric down-conversion, where a single photon is absorbed and re-emitted by non-linear materials. In high-energy scenarios, such as gamma rays, pair production may occur, but requires additional interactions, typically with nuclei for momentum conservation. This process often results in the creation of an electron-positron pair, which, upon annihilation, produces two photons of lower energy (511 keV each). The discussion highlights the complexities of photon behavior under different conditions, particularly in high-density environments like the early universe. Overall, the transformation of high energy photons into lesser energy forms is a well-documented phenomenon in quantum physics.