Where photons will stop being themselves

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of photons across the electromagnetic spectrum, specifically questioning at what point electromagnetic radiation ceases to be classified as photons. Participants confirm that red light, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves are all composed of photons. The conversation highlights that while individual photons can be counted at higher frequencies, the ability to detect them diminishes at lower frequencies, with a suggestion that microwaves (300 MHz to 300 GHz) represent a lower operational limit for photon detection.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum
  • Knowledge of photon properties and behavior
  • Familiarity with frequency ranges of electromagnetic radiation
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of photons in the microwave frequency range
  • Explore the concept of photon quantization in low-energy scenarios
  • Investigate the operational limits of photon detectors at various frequencies
  • Learn about the relationship between frequency and energy in electromagnetic radiation
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students of quantum mechanics seeking to deepen their understanding of photon behavior across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Kunzite
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Hi!
I am new on this forum and would you please excuse me if this is off topic, I do not dare opening another thread for my silly question:
I'm puzzeled by the electromagnetic spectrum when going to lower fequencies.. Is there a point where it is not photons anymore ?
For example red light=photons, infrared= photons, microwaves= photons right? Radio waves photons? Very Low Radio Frequencies, photons?, And what if I shake a magnet in an alternative 1Hz move... Do I still create photons ? :rolleyes:

Cordially
Jacques D Paris France
Thx to your old folks for coming :wink:
 
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Yes, but the photon energy would be so low that there will be so many photons that you wouldn't notice the quantization.
 
Does anyone know the lowest energy (frequency) at which individual photons can be counted?

I think microwave (300 MHz (3 x 10^8 Hz) to 300 GHz (3 x 10^11 Hz)) is the lower bound, but I'm not sure how far down into the band detectors can function.
 

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