Understanding the Travel of a Single Photon: Does It Diverge?

When discussing the nature of photons, one might be led to question whether or not a single photon diverges as it travels through space. In this article, we explore this concept, drawing from both theoretical and experimental insights. We also delve into key theories such as Wheeler–Feynman absorber theory and the nature of light as wavepackets, to shed light on this enigma.

Does a Single Photon Diverge as It Travels?

A single photon consists of a particle with both wave-like and particle-like properties. This primary elementary particle is composed of two opposite mono-charges, which travel together. Therefore, a single photon does not diverge as it travels. For a more comprehensive understanding, please refer to the viXra paper entitled “MC Physics - Model of A Real Photon With Structure and Mass”.

Photon as a Wavepacket

Despite the particle nature of a photon, it behaves as a wavepacket, much like any other wave. This phenomenon is attributed to the groundbreaking work by Max Planck. A wavepacket encompasses a range of frequencies, making it a bunch of wavelets that together create the overall wave.

When a photon is considered to be the smallest possible unit of spacetime, it can be visualized in a one-dimensional (1D) approximation. This 1D model of the real and imaginary parts of a single mode in a cavity, determined by the x-dimension of the red boxes, is a graphical representation. This visualization is a result of the patterns formed when Maxwell's equations are solved on boundaries in the XY plane. The Laplace equation, which is solved to obtain a harmonic solution, is central to understanding the nature of light wavepackets.

Wheeler–Feynman Absorber Theory Simplified

Wheeler–Feynman absorber theory is a theoretical concept that provides insights into the behavior of photons, especially in the context of radiation reaction. It can be explained in layman's terms as follows:

Wheeler–Feynman Absorber Theory: This theory suggests that every action has a reaction. Photons emit and absorb energy, and the presence of absorbing bodies (such as atoms) influences the behavior of photons. When a particle emits a photon and it interacts with an absorbing body, the energy is absorbed, and the system as a whole remains in a perpetual state of balance.

By visualizing this in a cavity model, light wavepackets can be observed. A cavity can contain multiple photons, with their spatial photonic states interacting with each other. This interaction can be shown graphically as green states (on the right) and red states (on the left). The FFT of the red states to the right provides a phase wavefront, and the blue curve illustrates the interference interaction. This graphical representation is derived from the solution of Maxwell's equations on boundaries in the XY plane, with the Laplace equation in the Z axis.

Scenarios with Multiple Photons in a Cavity

In a scenario where a cavity contains two photons, their interaction can be modeled. These photons can be described as spatial photonic states. Green states and red states depend on the phase, demonstrating how field strength influences their interaction. The more negative the phase, the lower the amplitude during traversal of spacetime. If no phase difference is introduced, the photons remain coherent, following the rules set by the cavity.

However, in real-world applications, phase locking is almost never perfect. Phase-dependent rotational gauges can help in maintaining coherent photon states. Entanglement is another method to ensure that photons carry the same phase information regardless of time, only through space. A single 632 nm laser diode photon, for instance, is not a single photon due to the finite Full-Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) of 10 nm, indicating a range of slightly shorter and longer photons are generated.

Final Thoughts and Future Implications

With the knowledge of phase-dependent rotational gauges, light can be seen as "hopping" from one spatial photonic state to another. The phase of these states determines the path of the photon. In a larger cavity containing many photons, the arrow of time introduces a phase difference, leading to divergence over time. This divergence can be attributed to the finite lifespan of photons in spacetime.

Understanding the nature of photons and their interactions is crucial for advancements in quantum mechanics and optical technologies. As we continue to explore these phenomena, the convergence of physics and technology promises exciting insights and applications.

Keywords:

Photon: The quantum of light or other electromagnetic radiation. Single photon: An individual quantum of light. Divergence: The process of moving away from each other, particularly in physics. Wheeler–Feynman absorber theory: A theoretical concept that describes the behavior of charged particles emitting and absorbing radiation in a self-consistent manner. Wavepacket: A dispersive wave representing a localized wave disturbance or a wave packet where velocity equals frequency and wave number.