Light polarisation and photon spin

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the relationship between the polarization of light and the spin of photons, focusing on theoretical aspects of photon helicity and its implications for light polarization.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the connection between light polarization and photon spin.
  • Another participant suggests that polarization is linked to the projection of the spin of the photon.
  • A further contribution states that light is 100% left circular polarized for a photon with helicity +1.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not appear to reach a consensus, as it contains different viewpoints regarding the specifics of the relationship between polarization and photon spin.

Contextual Notes

There may be missing assumptions or definitions regarding the terms used, such as "helicity" and "polarization," which could affect the clarity of the discussion.

qtm912
Messages
37
Reaction score
1
What is the link between the polarisation of light and photon spin?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Polarization is related to the projection of the spin of the photon.
 
Light is 100% left circular polarized for a photon with helicity +1.
 
Thank you
 

Similar threads

Undergrad About photon-polariser interaction quantum-molecular-level mechanics
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Quantum eraser experiment
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
High School Bell inequality test without polarisation?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School Why isn’t quantum entanglement just correlation?
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
7K
Undergrad Curious about an idea of a modified polariser to send signals with QE
  • · Replies 99 ·
4
Replies
99
Views
6K
Undergrad Entanglement setup that shouldn't allow for the transmission of info
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Why can’t photons “pile up” to eject an electron?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad Is the moment of the measurement well defined?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Undergrad Can two photons combine to give a local field with spin 2?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad Unpolarised Light: Single Photons & Superposition
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K