The Size of Photons: Experiments and Results

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter bassplayer142
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Experiments Photons
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the spatial dimensions of photons, specifically in the context of visible light, which ranges from 350 to 750 nanometers. Photons are primarily characterized by their wavelength, and they do not possess a defined size in the conventional sense due to their classification as point particles under quantum mechanics. The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle further complicates the notion of size, as photons lack additional parameters that could define their dimensions. Various experiments have been referenced to explore the relationship between wavelength and physical properties of light.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and the concept of point particles
  • Familiarity with the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
  • Knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum, particularly visible light
  • Basic principles of light behavior and properties, including wavelength
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and its implications for particle dimensions
  • Explore experiments that connect photon wavelength to physical properties
  • Investigate the concept of point particles in quantum physics
  • Learn about the electromagnetic spectrum and its relevance to visible light
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of light and photons.

bassplayer142
Messages
431
Reaction score
0
In visible light, what is the spatial dimensions of the photon itself. I'm interested in the experiments they have done to prove how big the photon is.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
bassplayer142 said:
In visible light, what is the spatial dimensions of the photon itself. I'm interested in the experiments they have done to prove how big the photon is.

In most cases, a photon is described by its wavelength and has physical properties that relate to that. Visible light is roughly in the range of 350 to 750 nanometers (10^-9 meters).

Naturally, there have been any number of experiments that connect wavelength to some of these physical properties. Is there any specific "size" property you are trying to understand? Other than wavelength, a photon does not have another parameter that relates to size in the normal sense of the word. (As a quantum particle, it is bound by the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. It is otherwise considered to be a point particle in much the same fashion as an electron.)
 
Thanks you guys. I had devised a little experiment myself. I didn't get into detail about it but basically you shine a laser against a solid object. If the size of the photon is smaller then an atom it should shine brighter in the crack where the laser and object meet and it would through the object. Of course the object would have to be ideal for the amount of light it let through also.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad 2-Slit: How do we know photon guns only produce single photons?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
2K
Undergrad Poisson spot with single photons
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
Graduate QED and photon path experiments
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Undergrad The Delayed Choice experiment: Is Photon speed important?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
High School How is energy transferred from a wave to a photon?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
High School Why do photon polarization experiments show similar outcomes in different situations?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad The electron is not point-like?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Undergrad Double-slit experiment with momentum entangled pair of photons
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad The Potential of Back-to-Back Photons: an Experiment
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Undergrad Photon interference and beamforming
  • · Replies 64 ·
3
Replies
64
Views
5K