Lorentz-Invariance of Photons travelling parallel to each other

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on demonstrating the Lorentz-Invariance of two photons traveling parallel to each other, specifically analyzing their 4-Momentum vectors. The participants utilize the notation p_1=\hbar k and p_2=\hbar \left(\omega,\alpha k,0,0\right) to represent the photons. A key point raised is the need to establish the time component of the 4-vector connecting the two photons, with emphasis on the orthogonality of the 4-momentum to the relative position vector under Lorentz transformations.

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  • Understanding of 4-Momentum vectors in special relativity
  • Familiarity with Lorentz transformations
  • Knowledge of the properties of photons and their behavior in spacetime
  • Basic grasp of vector mathematics and orthogonality
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  • Study the derivation of 4-Momentum vectors for massless particles
  • Explore Lorentz transformation equations in detail
  • Investigate the implications of orthogonality in relativistic physics
  • Review examples of photon interactions and their momentum conservation laws
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, researchers in theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the principles of special relativity and the behavior of light in a relativistic framework.

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Homework Statement


Show the Lorentz-Invariance of the following spatial statement: Two photons are traveling parallel to each other. The relative position vector of the two photons is orthogonal to the velocity and has length d.

Homework Equations

/ The attempt at a solution[/B]
The first thing that comes to my mind is to represent the two photons with 4-Momentum Vectors.
So this is done the following way:
p_1=\hbar k=\hbar \left(\omega,k,0,0\right)
p_2=\hbar k=\hbar \left(\omega,\alpha k,0,0\right)
Now I need a 4-vector that connects the two photons. It is easy to see that the spatial component of that vector is just
\vec{d}=\left(0,0,d\right)
But I am not sure what the first (time) component of that corresponding 4-vector would be?
From here on I guess it is simple. All I need to do is show that under a Lorentz-Transformation for arbitrary \vec{v} the four-momentum of the photons is always orthogonal to the relative position vector. I might be wrong here.
 
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What you wrote is antiparallel, i.e the direction reversed.

Parallel would be multiplying by a positive factor the expression k.
 
MathematicalPhysicist said:
What you wrote is antiparallel, i.e the direction reversed.

Parallel would be multiplying by a positive factor the expression k.

Thanks you're right. I edited it.
 

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