Researchers at the University of Birmingham have made a groundbreaking discovery that accurately defines the shape of a single photon for the first time.
This new study, published in Physical Review Letters, delves into the complex interactions between photons — the elementary particles of light — and the surrounding environment, offering fresh insights into the quantum behavior of light.
The research explores how photons are emitted by atoms and molecules, how they interact with their emitters, and how this energy propagates through space. This understanding was difficult to achieve due to the limitless number of ways light can exist and move through its environment. To address this challenge, the team classified these diverse possibilities into distinct sets, enabling the development of a computational model that accurately illustrates photon interactions.
Dr. Benjamin Yuen, lead author of the study from the University’s School of Physics, explained that their work transformed what was once an insurmountable problem into a solvable one.
“Our calculations enabled us to convert a seemingly insolvable problem into something that can be computed. And, almost as a by-product of the model, we were able to produce this image of a photon, something that hasn’t been seen before in physics,” Yuen said.
This discovery has significant implications for the field of quantum and material science. A clearer understanding of photon behavior can assist in developing advanced technologies, such as more secure communications systems, pathogen detection methods, and even control over molecular-level chemical reactions. Professor Angela Demetriadou, a co-author of the study, highlighted the role of environmental factors, noting that the geometry and optical properties of the surroundings greatly influence how photons are emitted, shaping their characteristics, including their color and probability of existence.
Dr. Yuen further emphasized that the study deepens our comprehension of light-matter interactions, providing valuable insights into the way light radiates into both nearby and distant environments. Previously viewed as mere “noise,” this information is now understood to hold crucial data that can be applied in practical applications.
“By understanding this, we set the foundations to be able to engineer light-matter interactions for future applications, such as better sensors, improved photovoltaic energy cells, or quantum computing,” he added.
The research represents a pivotal step in our understanding of photon dynamics and opens the door to new possibilities in various scientific and technological domains. The findings lay the groundwork for more efficient and precise manipulation of light, with potential applications across fields like telecommunications, medical technology, and energy systems.
With input from Space Daily and IFLScience.
