Upper Bound of Photon Mass - Sources & Review Articles

Measurements of the Longitudinal Polarization of High-Energy Photons," Phys. Rev. 71, 1944, 1947In summary, the best known upper bound for the photon mass is currently m_\gamma < 10^{-26} eV, assuming a Higgs type mass. However, there is no upper limit to the photon energy since it has no rest mass. One way to determine an upper limit for the photon rest mass would be through careful measurements of energy and momentum transfer in photon absorption. A review article on the subject is "Using plasma physics to weigh the photon" by D.D. Ryutov.
  • #1
fermi
76
5
Can you tell me the best known upper bound for the photon mass? If possible also provide a link to the source or to a review article on the subject.

Thanks much.:smile:
 
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  • #2
The particle data group currently quotes :
Photon Mass Bound Destroyed by Vortices E. Adelberger, G. Dvali, A. Gruzinov Phys.Rev.Lett.98:010402,2007
[itex]m_\gamma < 10^{-26}[/itex] eV (assuming Higgs type mass)

"Using plasma physics to weigh the photon" D D Ryutov 2007 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 49 B429-B438
[itex]m_\gamma < 10^{-18}[/itex] eV (assuming Yukawa type modification of Maxwell only, or modified dispersion relation)
 
  • #3
In principle, there is no upper limit to the photon energy, although it has no rest mass. A photon of energy Ephoton can hit an extremely relativistic electron with an energy γm0c2 head on, and the photon energy gets boosted to [STRIKE]γ2 Ephoton[/STRIKE] ~4γ2 Ephoton by Compton scattering.

One way to get an upper limit to the photon rest mass would be to very carefully do energy and momentum transfer in photon absorption:
http://www.aip.org/pnu/2003/split/625-2.html
http://pdg.lbl.gov/2009/listings/rpp2009-list-photon.pdf
Bob S
 
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1. What is the upper bound of photon mass?

The upper bound of photon mass is zero. According to the Standard Model of particle physics, photons are considered to be massless particles. This means that they have no rest mass and travel at the speed of light.

2. How was the upper bound of photon mass determined?

The upper bound of photon mass was determined through various experiments and observations, such as the study of particle collisions and measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation. These experiments have consistently shown that the photon has no rest mass and travels at the speed of light.

3. Are there any sources that suggest a non-zero photon mass?

While the majority of evidence points to a zero mass for photons, there have been some studies that suggest the possibility of a non-zero photon mass. However, these studies have not been widely accepted and more research is needed to confirm their findings.

4. What are some review articles on the upper bound of photon mass?

Some review articles on the upper bound of photon mass include "The Photon Mass: A Review" by J. Ellis and "Upper Bounds on the Photon Mass" by P. B. Pal. These articles provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding and research on the topic.

5. How does the upper bound of photon mass affect our understanding of the universe?

The upper bound of photon mass is an important concept in understanding the fundamental laws of physics and the behavior of particles in the universe. It helps to explain the behavior of light and other electromagnetic radiation, and plays a crucial role in theories such as the Standard Model and the theory of relativity.

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