Max Photon Energy: Planck Length Lower Limit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the implications of the Planck length as a potential lower limit on meaningful wavelength and an upper limit on photon energy. Participants explore theoretical and experimental aspects related to the Planck length, its significance in physics, and the behavior of photons at extreme scales.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the Planck length (~1.6×10-35 meters) may indicate a lower limit on meaningful wavelength and thus an upper limit on photon energy.
  • Others argue that current experimental capabilities are far from reaching energies associated with the Planck scale, suggesting that questions about this regime remain largely theoretical.
  • A participant mentions that in some frames, every photon could have a wavelength less than the Planck length, raising questions about the validity of this assertion.
  • There is a challenge regarding whether the claim about photon wavelengths has experimental support or is purely conjectural.
  • The concept of the Doppler effect is introduced, with participants discussing its implications and whether it can be applied in extreme conditions, particularly in relation to the Planck length.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the straightforward application of the Doppler effect in extreme scenarios, questioning the assumptions made about its behavior near singularities.
  • A reference to an Insights article is made, suggesting that the Planck length should not be viewed as a strict lower limit on length.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of the Planck length or the validity of claims regarding photon wavelengths. Multiple competing views remain regarding the interpretation of the Doppler effect and its applicability in extreme conditions.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of experimental evidence for claims made about photon behavior at the Planck scale and the dependence on specific frames of reference for the discussion of wavelengths and energies.

mathman
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Planck length is ~ [itex]1.6\times 10^{-35}[/itex] meters. Does this mean that this may be a lower limit on meaningful wavelength and therefore upper limit on energy?
 
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Isn't that one of those "call me back when we have an experiment approaching those energies" questions? I would think a lot of physicists would like to know what happens at Planck lengths/masses/energies, but all of our experiments are orders of magnitudes away from that.
 
In some frame, every photon has a wavelength less than that.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
In some frame, every photon has a wavelength less than that.

Is that conjecture, or have experiments shown that?
 
Do you believe in the Doppler effect or not?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Do you believe in the Doppler effect or not?
I "believe" that it works within the ranges that have been measured - and a bit more, perhaps. The simple formulae will almost certainly not apply.
 
But the Doppler effect is cumulative. Boost by beta=.6 and you double the frequency. Boost by beta=.6 again and you double the frequency again. Repeat as necessary.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
But the Doppler effect is cumulative. Boost by beta=.6 and you double the frequency. Boost by beta=.6 again and you double the frequency again. Repeat as necessary.
I imagine that the effect is Monotonic but, in extreme situations, why would Beta necessarily apply in the way you imply? Already, we use two Doppler formulae, with and without SR so why assume that something else doesn't kick in at a singularity. The only reason I posted a reply to you post was your use of "believe" in the context of the conditions that are being discussed.
 
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"Our mission is to provide a place for people (whether students, professional scientists, or others interested in science) to learn and discuss science as it is currently generally understood and practiced by the professional scientific community."

That's what is generally understood and practiced by the professional scientific community.
 
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