Storing Photons: A Theoretical Possibility?

[argonurbawono]

is it theoretically possible to store photons?

maybe just for a few microseconds to begin with?

with some kind of "container" where the photon bouncing about inside. in the case of visible light maybe a container with a perfect mirror inside it?

 

[Rach3]

Yes. In practice though, resonant cavities aren't "perfect", there's a significant amplitude for the photon escaping. Nonetheless it's still good enough to do some kinds of experiments.

See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_microcavity

 

[J77]

see also...

Recent research shows promise in temporarily trapping light in crystals. Trapping light is seen as a necessary element in replacing electron storage for computer logic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photonic_computing

 

[ZapperZ]

In addition to that, the experiments by Lena Hau's group at Harvard in stopping light is also a form of "light storage".

http://physicsweb.org/articles/news/5/1/9

Zz.

 

[mohan_3749]

If your purpose is just to store the ENERGY of photon, then u could use a solar panel and collect the photons's light and store it in a battery. And when u want the energy again u power a matched lamp using the battery.

This won't work if u are trapping your photons and keeping them preserved.