Could photons emitted by high velocity electrons have a specific emission angle?

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In summary: If there is resistance to the emmission then this would somehow create a doppler effect to wouldn't it?
  • #1
Skeptick
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Assumptions
A photon exist in three dimensions so it has length, width and height.

In fig 2 I show and electron that is stationary so it is in a moving frame of reference with a very small velocity say 10 m/sec. This fig is snapshots taken of the electron a times 1,2,3,4 etc as a photon is emitted by the electron and as can be seen the photon is emitted perpendicular to the average body of the electron.

In fig 1 I show the same set of snapshots except now the electron is in a moving frame of reference traveling at say 0.99 C. A t1 the photon has just started to be emitted from the electron, at t2 it is a little further out, as the photon has a finite length and so forth until it is completely emmitted.

I predict that at high velocities photons will emit at a different angle as opposed to photon emitted by a stationary or low velocity electron.

Is I possible at high velocity the photon may actually double back on itself and re-enter the electron? In which case electrons at high velocity will only be able to emit photons at specific angles ?

If there is resistance to the emmission then this would somehow create a doppler effect to wouldn't it?
 

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  • #2
if this is right what effects would this have on a laser at very high velocity ?
 
  • #3
If the emmission angle of the laser was at and angle to the direction of travle of the MFR
 
  • #4
Skeptick said:
A photon exist in three dimensions so it has length, width and height.
A photon is a quantum of an EM wave, so since the wave propagates in all three spatial dimensions I think it is OK to say a photon exists in all three spatial dimensions in some sense. However, I doubt that you can assign unique values for the length, width, and height of a photon.

Skeptick said:
I predict that at high velocities photons will emit at a different angle as opposed to photon emitted by a stationary or low velocity electron.
If you boost the EM field equations you will indeed see that the angle of propagation changes. I think this idea is simplified in the wave-4-vector notation.

Skeptick said:
Is I possible at high velocity the photon may actually double back on itself and re-enter the electron? In which case electrons at high velocity will only be able to emit photons at specific angles ?
Only if the velocity of the particle is greater than the speed of light in the medium. When this happens you get Cherenkov radiation which is the EM equivalent of a bow wake or sonic boom. Of course, this is not possible in free space.
 

FAQ: Could photons emitted by high velocity electrons have a specific emission angle?

What is photon emission?

Photon emission is the process by which a photon (a particle of light) is produced and released from an atom or molecule. This can happen when an electron in the atom or molecule transitions from a higher energy state to a lower energy state.

How does photon emission relate to assumptions?

Photon emission assumptions refer to the assumptions made in theoretical models and experiments about the characteristics of photon emission, such as the frequency and direction of the emitted photons. These assumptions are based on our current understanding of quantum mechanics and the behavior of atoms and molecules.

What are some common assumptions made about photon emission?

Some common assumptions about photon emission include the conservation of energy and momentum, the randomness of the direction in which photons are emitted, and the proportionality of photon emission to the intensity of the electric field that caused it.

How do these assumptions affect our understanding of photon emission?

By making these assumptions, we are able to predict and explain the behavior of photons in different scenarios. These assumptions also allow us to develop theoretical models and design experiments to study photon emission, which can lead to a better understanding of the nature of light and matter.

Are these assumptions always accurate?

No, these assumptions are not always accurate. In some cases, they may not fully capture the complexity of photon emission, and new discoveries and advancements in technology may challenge or change our previous assumptions. It is important for scientists to continue testing and refining these assumptions to improve our understanding of photon emission.

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