The photon and Electromagnetic field

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of photons and their relationship with electromagnetic (EM) fields, exploring concepts from both classical and quantum physics. Participants examine how electric and magnetic fields interact, the existence of photons, and the implications of these interactions in different reference frames.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question how an EM field can produce a steady photon when its components can "disappear" depending on the observer's motion.
  • There is a contention regarding whether an observer in motion can see only a magnetic field without an electric field, with some asserting that the electric field is always present.
  • One viewpoint suggests that photons only exist at the moment they are emitted or absorbed, leading to speculation about their existence in the EM field when not interacting with matter.
  • Another participant argues that while photons can be described as quantized transfers of energy, they are not independent particles while in flight, but rather a flow of waves.
  • There is a discussion about the duality of electromagnetic phenomena, referencing the equivalence of electricity and magnetism under certain conditions.
  • Some participants express confusion about the implications of photons existing only during interactions, questioning the continuity of their existence between emission and absorption.
  • One participant highlights the complexity of the wave-particle duality, noting that electromagnetic waves can exhibit both continuous and discrete behaviors depending on the context.
  • Another participant challenges the assertion that photons do not exist between interactions, arguing that while we cannot pinpoint their location, they still have a presence described by quantum theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the existence of photons and the nature of electromagnetic fields. There is no consensus on whether photons exist independently of interactions with matter or how to reconcile classical and quantum perspectives on electromagnetic phenomena.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various theoretical frameworks and prior discussions, indicating that the topic is complex and may depend on specific definitions and interpretations of electromagnetic theory and quantum mechanics.

  • #31
Jonathan Scott said:
I disagree; pure states of polarization can definitely be used to transmit information. QM interpretations only become relevant when dealing with entangled superposed states.
Ok, but to have pure states you have to prepare the photons, so the property "to have a well defined spin component in one direction" cannot be referred to the microscopic object "photon" only, but to the entire experimental setting.
 
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  • #32
I have created a new thread here[/color] in the Quantum Physics forum of this site to ask further about whether photons "exist" between emission and absorption. I suggest further discussion of quantum mechanical aspects should continue in that thread, and we keep this thread for discussion of any outstanding relativistic issues.
 

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