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A new approach to the photon localization problem

D. Han, Y. S. Kim, Marilyn E. Noz

Published May 1, 1994• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Since wavelets form a representation of the Poincare group, it is possible to construct a localized superposition of light waves with different frequencies in a Lorentz-covariant manner. This localized wavelet satisfies a Lorentz-invariant uncertainty relation, and also the Lorentz-invariant Parseval's relation. A quantitative analysis is given for the difference between photons and localized waves. It is then shown that this localized entity corresponds to a relativistic photon with a sharply defined momentum in the non-localization limit. Waves are not particles. It is confirmed that the wave-particle duality is subject to the uncertainty principle.

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Since wavelets form a representation of the Poincare group, it is possible to construct a localized superposition of light waves with different frequencies in a Lorentz-covariant manner. This localized wavelet satisfies a Lorentz-invariant uncertainty relation, and also the Lorentz-invariant Parseval's relation. A quantitative analysis is given for the difference between photons and localized waves. It is then shown that this localized entity corresponds to a relativistic photon with a sharply defined momentum in the non-localization limit. Waves are not particles. It is confirmed that the wave-particle duality is subject to the uncertainty principle.
A Lorentz-covariant localization for light waves is presented. The unitary representation for the electromagnetic four-potential is constructed for a monochromatic light wave. A model for covariant superposition is constructed for light waves with different frequencies. It is therefore possible to construct a wave function for light waves carrying a covariant probability interpretation. It is shown that the time-energy uncertainty relation (\ensuremath{\Delta}t)(\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\omega})\ensuremath{\simeq}1 for light waves is a Lorentz-invariant relation. The connection between photons and localized light waves is examined critically.
It is shown that the wavelet is the natural language for the Lorentz covariant description of localized light waves. A model for covariant superposition is constructed for light waves with different frequencies. It is therefore possible to construct a wave function for light waves carrying a covariant probability interpretation. It is shown that the time-energy uncertainty relation (Delta(t))(Delta(w)) is approximately 1 for light waves is a Lorentz-invariant relation. The connection between photons and localized light waves is examined critically.
Abstract Through the classic work of Planck, Einstein, and others the particle nature of the photon has been established. In the previous chapter we considered the wave field of the photon. In this chapter we will emphasize more its particle nature and discuss the extent to which a wave function with a probabilistic interpretation is an appropriate description. Once we have the concept of a particle it is natural to ask how localized the state can be. The degree of localizability of photons is of concern in the interpretation of experiments in quantum optics involving weak light sources and non-linear electromagnetic media. If a photon is not to have the structure of a composite particle its quantum states should be describable by translations, rotations, and Lorentz boosts of a particular state and possibly super positions of such states. This is equivalent to a photon being associated with an irreducible representation of the Poincaré group. A brief overview of the general theory of group representations is given in Appendix 3. We will be able to give a complete discussion of the representations of the Poincaré group pertinent to the photon. Our discussion of localizability will be quite rigorous but we will gloss over measure-theoretic niceties. For more mathematical discussions the reader can refer to the works of Mackey (1978) and Wightman (1962). We will finish the chapter by examining the implication of Poincaré invariance for the metric on the space of quantum states of the photon.
We put forward an interpretation of scalar quantum field theory as relativistic quantum mechanics by curing well known problems related to locality. A probabilistic interpretation of quantum field theory similar to quantum mechanics is difficult if particle localization is defined using the Newton-Wigner position operator as it is non-local and non-covariant. An alternative bilinear covariant position operator is discussed which incorporates a time operator that can be exponentiated to a unitary operator. Moreover, it satisfies an algebra that unifies special relativity and quantum mechanics and has the same form for particles with spin. Higher power position operators are derived which yield Heisenberg's uncertainty relations. Our ideas are illustrated with a relativistic wave function whose probability density can be perfectly localized.