Why do photons repel one another?

[psmarz]

Why do photons repel one another?

 

[Doc Al]

Why do photons repel one another?

What makes you think that they repel one another?

 

[psmarz]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070506160623.htm"

This article has me confused lol.

 

[psmarz]

It is theoretical...

I just do not understand how photons could repel one another if they are solid state.

 

[D H]

The OP is talking about this paper: http://www.nature.com/nphys/journal/v2/n12/abs/nphys466.html"

Arxiv preprint: http://arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0609050

From this point on, I'll shut up and observe.

 

[Doc Al]

From this point on, I'll shut up and observe.

I'm way ahead of you. I found that paper earlier. Beats me!

 

[psmarz]

Ok...

The two-level system (TLS) creates a non-linearity, causing an interaction between the photons (a repulsion).

By adding photons to a two-dimensional array of coupled optical cavities, each containing a single two-level atom in the photon-blockade regime, they form atom-photon `molecules' termed dressed states or polaritons.

The coupling between the atom and the photons leads to optical nonlinearities and an effective photon-photon repulsion.