Could photons be 2D objects in String Theory?

In summary, there is speculation that extra dimensions may exist in String Theory. It is difficult to describe or imagine these dimensions, but it is possible that there are objects or particles that exist in fewer dimensions. For example, photons traveling at the speed of light may exist as 2D objects, traveling at an infinitely slow rate in all other frames of reference. However, this idea is flawed as it is not possible to apply relativistic formulations to the frame of reference of a photon. Recommended reading on this topic is available in various threads and a FAQ entry. Additionally, the concept of a curved-up dimension can be easily imagined, as seen in some 2D computer games where crossing a boundary returns you to the same place. This also helps
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blah19
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String Theory speculates that extra dimensions may exist. Obviously, it would be difficult to describe or imagine that, but is it possible that there are objects or particles that exist observing LESS dimensions. For example, photons travel at c meaning that time travels infinitely slow in for all other frames; since this is also true, it exists in all places along it's path at once. Could photons actually be 2d objects?
 
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  • #2
blah19 said:
String Theory speculates that extra dimensions may exist. Obviously, it would be difficult to describe or imagine that, but is it possible that there are objects or particles that exist observing LESS dimensions. For example, photons travel at c meaning that time travels infinitely slow in for all other frames; since this is also true, it exists in all places along it's path at once. Could photons actually be 2d objects?

The fatal flaw here is that you assumed that you can apply relativistic formulation on the frame of reference of the photon. This is a mistake.

We have many threads, and a FAQ entry, on why you cannot do this.

Zz.
 
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Okay, thanks for the reply, any recommended reading for this?
 
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blah19 said:
String Theory speculates that extra dimensions may exist. Obviously, it would be difficult to describe or imagine that

In fact I can easily imagine that.

A curved-up dimension just means that if you move along its direction, very soon you return to the same place. Like in some 2D computer games (pacman), when you cross screen boundary, you reappear on the opposite side. It's just the difference of moving along a line and on a circle.

It's also intuitively explains why Kaluza-klein 5D gravity with one curled-up dimension is equivalent to 4D gravity + EM:
(1) In 5D space, translation invariance still holds: you can translate along any direction, which means along that tiny circle too.
(2) In GR, spacetime symmetries become local.
(3) Circle translational group is isomorphic to U(1) group.
(4) In 4D, requirement of extra local U(1) symmetry generates EM.
 

FAQ: Could photons be 2D objects in String Theory?

1. Are photons 2 dimensional?

No, photons are not considered to be 2 dimensional. They are considered to be massless particles that travel in a straight line at the speed of light. In quantum mechanics, they are described as having wave-particle duality, meaning they exhibit properties of both waves and particles in a three-dimensional space.

2. Why do some people think photons are 2 dimensional?

Some people may think photons are 2 dimensional because they are often represented as two-dimensional waves in diagrams and illustrations. This is just a simplified way of visualizing their behavior and does not accurately reflect their true nature as particles existing in a three-dimensional space.

3. What is the evidence that photons are not 2 dimensional?

There is a substantial amount of evidence that supports the idea that photons are not 2 dimensional. One of the key pieces of evidence is the fact that photons can interact with matter in three-dimensional space, which would not be possible if they were truly 2 dimensional. Additionally, experiments such as the double-slit experiment have shown that photons behave like particles in a three-dimensional space.

4. Can photons exist in higher dimensions?

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that photons can exist in higher dimensions beyond the three dimensions that we experience in our everyday lives. However, some theories, such as string theory, propose the existence of extra dimensions that particles like photons could potentially exist in. These theories are still being explored and are not widely accepted in the scientific community.

5. How does the dimensionality of photons affect their behavior?

The dimensionality of photons does not significantly affect their behavior. As mentioned earlier, they are considered to exist in a three-dimensional space and their interactions with matter and other particles are described using this framework. However, some theories, such as loop quantum gravity, suggest that the dimensionality of space-time may be quantized and could potentially impact the behavior of particles like photons at a very small scale.

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