QED: Electric Field - Can We Observe Photons?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on quantum electrodynamics (QED) and the concept of photons as carriers of electromagnetic information between particles. Participants clarify that while photons, particularly virtual photons, are fundamental to QED, they are not directly observable. Instead, their existence is inferred from their effects on particles at quantum scales. The conversation emphasizes that the notion of quantum fields permeates all of spacetime, challenging the traditional view of fields in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum electrodynamics (QED)
  • Familiarity with the concept of virtual photons
  • Knowledge of quantum fields and their properties
  • Basic principles of particle physics and observation techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of virtual photons in quantum electrodynamics
  • Explore advanced imaging techniques for particle observation
  • Study the implications of quantum fields in modern physics
  • Investigate the philosophical implications of observing particles versus inferring their existence
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of quantum electrodynamics and particle observation techniques.

Gavroy
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hi

i heard some things about quantum electrodynamics and one thing was that they gave up the concept of actual fields and said that the electromagnetic information from one particle to the other is transported by photons.

Now my question is: Can one observe these photons or is it just a mathematical concept?
 
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Gavroy said:
hi

i heard some things about quantum electrodynamics and one thing was that they gave up the concept of actual fields and said that the electromagnetic information from one particle to the other is transported by photons.

Now my question is: Can one observe these photons or is it just a mathematical concept?

There may be some terminology here I have forgotten as I don't quite understand the idea that we have given up the concept of fields... but as far as I am aware, quantum fields by definition cover all spacetime. They permeate every corner of spacetime, and this is what a quantum field is.

As for being able to observe photons, we are yet to directly observe any particle. We have imaging computers which can take rather serious scans of particles at very small levels. Some consider this as good as an observation, others don't. When we talk of photons being shared between electrons, these photons are usually virtual photons. We cannot see them, but we know they exist because they have real effects in the world around us on the very small scales.
 

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