Proving Isolated Photon Doesn't Split into Two Photons

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of an isolated photon splitting into two photons traveling in different directions and the proof that this cannot happen. The conversation delves into the conservation of energy and momentum, specifically in relation to 4-momentum. The equations (1), (2), and (3) are used to show that if a photon were to split, it would violate the conservation laws.
  • #1
Xamfy19
60
0
Here is the question I had trouble with it:

How to prove that an isolated photon cannot split into two photons going in direction other than the original direction.

I thought photon doesn't have mass, then

energy = momentum.
from momentum conservation law. If photon split into two part and travel in different direction, then it must have different mass (or at opposite direction).

That's all I have for the time being.
Thanks for the help.
 
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  • #2
[tex]p^{\mu}=p_{1}^{\mu}+p_{2}^{\mu} [/tex] (1)

Workin' in Heaviside-Lorentz units,

[tex] \omega=\omega_{1}+\omega_{2} [/tex] (2)

[tex] \vec{p}=\vec{p}_{1}+\vec{p}_{2} [/tex] (3)

Square (2) & (3) and use [itex] \omega=|\vec{p}| [/itex] (which is valid for all 3 photons).

Denote the angle between the momenta of outgoing photons by [itex]\theta[/itex]

Daniel.
 
  • #3
Great, but what are the p^u, w and p?

I guess
w = w1 + w2 is the energy conservation
p = p1 + p2 is the momentum conservation, and what is

the first equation ?

thanks
 
  • #4
Conservation of 4-momentum,what else...?That's where the other 2 eqns come from.

Daniel.
 
  • #5
thanks, Daniel
 

1. What is an isolated photon?

An isolated photon is a particle of light that exists independently, without any other particles or energy fields nearby. It is a fundamental particle that cannot be broken down into smaller components.

2. How is it possible to prove that an isolated photon doesn't split into two photons?

There are several experimental methods that can be used to study the behavior of photons. One approach is to observe the energy levels of photons emitted by a light source and compare them to the expected energy levels if the isolated photon were to split into two photons. If the observed energy levels do not match the expected values, it can be concluded that the isolated photon does not split.

3. What are the implications of proving that an isolated photon doesn't split into two photons?

If it is proven that an isolated photon does not split into two photons, it would confirm the fundamental nature of photons and their indivisibility. This would have significant implications for our understanding of light and its behavior.

4. Are there any theories that suggest an isolated photon can split into two photons?

There have been some theoretical proposals that suggest that an isolated photon can split into two photons under certain conditions. However, these theories are still speculative and have not been supported by experimental evidence.

5. How can this knowledge be applied in practical applications?

Understanding the behavior of photons is crucial in many fields, including telecommunications, solar energy, and quantum computing. Knowing that an isolated photon does not split into two photons can help in the development of more efficient and reliable technologies that rely on the properties of light.

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