Researchers from the University of Birmingham have managed, for the first time, to establish the exact representation of a photon, this particle of light. The discovery, made possible thanks to a new theory, promises spectacular advances in upcoming technologies.
Photons are formed when atoms or molecules emit energy, but their behavior is heavily influenced by their environment. Precisely understanding these interactions has been a puzzle for physicists for decades. Until now. A team has found a way to organize these interactions into distinct categories, making them easier to analyze.
First theoretical visualization of the shape of a photon.
Credit: Dr. Benjamin Yuen
By combining this approach with quantum calculations, researchers have created a model that not only explains how a photon interacts with its immediate environment but also how it spreads its energy into more distant spaces. This model almost serendipitously allowed them to visualize the shape of a photon, an unprecedented image in the history of physics.
Dr. Benjamin Yuen, who led the work published in
Physical Review Letters, explains that this visualization stems from a problem initially deemed too complex to solve. Thanks to their method, the researchers found a way to simplify this problem and make it calculable. The result exceeds all expectations.
Why does this matter? Because by better understanding how photons interact with matter and their environment, scientists will be able to design even more efficient technologies. This research could lead to unhackable communication systems, sensors capable of detecting pathogens, or even tools to control chemical reactions on a microscopic scale.
Professor Angela Demetriadou, co-author of the study, adds that the shape and color of a photon directly depend on the properties of its environment. These details, once considered as mere noise, are now proving to be rich in information.
These advancements also mark a key step in mastering the interactions between light and matter. Understanding these mechanisms could enhance technologies like solar panels or quantum computers. This new theory, by providing a clear image of photons, opens up new perspectives for science and future innovations.