The photon and Electromagnetic field

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The discussion centers on the nature of photons and their relationship with electromagnetic (EM) fields, highlighting that photons are not independent entities but rather quantized transfers of energy that exist only during emission and absorption events. Observers perceive electric and magnetic fields differently based on their motion relative to a charge, yet photons maintain a consistent existence at the speed of light, unaffected by these observer-dependent characteristics. The conversation also touches on the wave-particle duality of light, noting that while photons can exhibit particle-like behavior during interactions, they are fundamentally described by wave functions that do not localize them in space. Participants express confusion over the existence of photons when not interacting with matter, emphasizing that while photons can take multiple paths, their energy is not localized. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the complexities of reconciling classical field theory with quantum mechanics in understanding the behavior of light.
  • #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 absorbtion. 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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