Can Single Photons Be Isolated and Accelerated?

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In summary: In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of isolating a single photon and running it through a particle accelerator to observe its behavior. It is mentioned that single photon sources do exist, but colliding photons in a vacuum or laser does not result in significant interactions. The concept of photon-photon scattering in high energy physics is also brought up. The conversation concludes by discussing the use of photomultipliers to detect single photons.
  • #1
ffleming7
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This is probably a stupid question, but I was wondering if scientists have been able to isolate a single photon. And if they have, have they run photons through particle accelerators to see what happens when they collide?
 
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  • #2
Photns have been isolated - I hope someone can give a reference. Particle accelerators work on charged particles - photons have no charge.
 
  • #3
Isolating photons is a strange terminology.
However, there are single photon sources, for example the one mentioned http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/290/5500/2282" (to read the full article, you might need a subscription).

And as said before, putting photons in particle accelerators won't help much. In vacuum they are already moving at c. You won't be able to accelerate them.
If you choose to collide 2 photons, nothing much happens. In the visible range, there will be no interactions unless you go to really high photon densities (like in extremely powerful lasers). In the high energy range, photons might behave differently, but there are people around here, who know more about high energy and particle physics than I do
 
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  • #4
Photons can't "collisde." They can interfere, constructively or destructively, like a wave.
 
  • #5
peter0302 said:
Photons can't "collisde." They can interfere, constructively or destructively, like a wave.

Although the term collision might be unusual, there are sometimes higher order terms in Feynman graphs representing photon-photon scattering in high energy physics.
These are not just simple results of interference.
 
  • #6
The OP needs to explain what he/she means as "isolated". Or else, subsequent discussion on this is meaningless.

Zz.
 
  • #7
may be he/she is talking about modes of the universe, where all EM field is understood as one only object.
 
  • #8
ZapperZ said:
The OP needs to explain what he/she means as "isolated". Or else, subsequent discussion on this is meaningless.

Zz.

By isolated, I meant, have scientists ever made a laser that could shoot out just one photon at a time.
 
  • #9
ffleming7 said:
By isolated, I meant, have scientists ever made a laser that could shoot out just one photon at a time.

Then read the link given earlier in this thread about single-photon sources. This means that based on your explanation, the answer is YES.

Zz.
 

FAQ: Can Single Photons Be Isolated and Accelerated?

What does it mean to isolate photons?

Isolating photons refers to the process of separating individual photons from a stream of light. This is typically done by using specialized equipment such as mirrors and filters to manipulate the direction and properties of the light.

Why is isolating photons important?

Isolating photons allows scientists to study the behavior and properties of individual particles of light. This is important for understanding the fundamental nature of light and its interactions with matter.

How do scientists isolate photons?

Scientists use a variety of techniques to isolate photons, including using laser beams, diffraction gratings, and detectors. These methods allow for precise control and measurement of individual photons.

Has anyone successfully isolated photons?

Yes, scientists have been able to isolate photons in laboratory settings for many years. In 1995, a team of researchers at the University of Rochester were able to trap and manipulate individual photons using a laser beam and a group of atoms.

What are the potential applications of isolating photons?

Isolating photons has many potential applications in fields such as quantum computing and telecommunications. By controlling and manipulating individual photons, scientists hope to develop new technologies for faster and more secure data transmission and processing.

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