Photons, particles of light, have a precise shape, and now thanks to physicistsUniversity of Birmingham you can view it for the first time. This result, published in the journal Physical Review Lettersrepresents a notable achievement in the study of light and its interaction with the environment.
Understanding the shape of a photon is not like describing a tangible object. It is a representation of the intensity of light, or a probability map that indicates where the photon might be at any given time. The researchers used advanced mathematical models to simulate a photon emitted by an atom located on the surface of a silicon nanoparticle. This approach allowed us to visualize its “shape” for the first time. Benjamin Yuenco-author of the study, explained how these calculations transformed a seemingly impossible problem into a precise and unique simulation.
“The photon’s wave function, which contains all the information about its behavior before it is detected, has finally been understood,” says Yuen. This discovery opens new perspectives in modeling and predicting the interactions between light and matter.
The influence of nanoparticles on the shape of the photon
Silicon nanoparticles played a crucial role in the experiment. Their presence made the emission of a photon thousands of times more likely and even allowed it to be reabsorbed by the atom. This phenomenon, one of the most intriguing in quantum mechanics, demonstrates how close the connection is between the intensity distribution of light and the surrounding environment.
Understanding the shape of the photon is not only a scientific achievement, but a potential revolution for numerous technologies. From more efficient solar cells to advanced sensors and applications in quantum computing, the opportunities are vast, as Yuen concludes:
This research allows us to interpret details previously considered noise, transforming them into valuable information for designing new interactions between light and matter.
