Photon wavelength quantization?

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SUMMARY

Photon wavelengths are not quantized; the classical relationship between frequency and wavelength (λ = c/f) applies to single photons. Quantum mechanics introduces the energy relation W = hf, but does not restrict the wavelength of free radiation. However, stationary waves in optical resonators exhibit quantized wavelengths, adhering to the condition l = n(λ/2), where n is a whole integer and l is the resonator length.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with classical wave equations
  • Knowledge of optical resonators and their properties
  • Basic grasp of photon energy relations (W = hf)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the behavior of stationary waves in optical resonators
  • Explore the implications of the relation W = hf in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the properties of free radiation and its wavelength characteristics
  • Learn about the applications of quantized wavelengths in photonics
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Physicists, optical engineers, and students of quantum mechanics seeking to deepen their understanding of photon behavior and wave properties in various systems.

espen180
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Are photon wavelengths quantizised? If so, what are their possible wavelengths? Do their possible wavelengths also depend on the system they are in?
 
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espen180 said:
Are photon wavelengths quantizised? If so, what are their possible wavelengths? Do their possible wavelengths also depend on the system they are in?

No, they are not. The "wavelength" of a photon (which btw is a slightly ambigous measure) is not quantized. The usual "classical" relation between frequency and wavelength (lamba=c/f) applies even to single photons; quantum mechanics only adds the relation W=hf for the energy of a single photon.
 
Wavelength of a free radiation is not restricted. However, stationary waves in optical resonators have wavelengths quantised. Consider stationary wave in long metal resonator of the length [tex]l[/tex]. It can have only such a wavelength, for which the condition

[tex] l = n \frac{\lambda}{2}[/tex]

is satisfied for some whole integer [tex]n[/tex].
 

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