Conceptualization of the photon for quanta of structured light

Andrews, David (2020) Conceptualization of the photon for quanta of structured light. In: Complex Light and Optical Forces XIV, 2020-02-04, Moscone Centre.

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Abstract

The development of optical modes with intrinsic structure has significantly redirected attention to the established concept and fundamental physics of the photon. In particular, to accommodate the modal structure of beams with transverse structure, two aspects of conventional representation invite special modification: the mathematical formulations, and figurative depictions. Reappraisals of the former highlight known deficiencies in simple plane wave mode expansions, at the price of associating the properties of individual quanta with macroscopic beam parameters wrought by the physical optics. Experimental proofs that such features do indeed reside in individual photons lead to conceptual problems, yet it is clear that alternative viewpoints engender still deeper difficulties. Such quandaries are also evident in the variety of diagrammatic representations used for structured radiation. Though such depictions cannot ever adequately represent the quantum physics, their incautious use can become seriously misleading, misrepresenting the underlying mathematics and supporting wrong conclusions. This analysis aims to expose and underscore some issues that invite closer attention.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Uncontrolled Keywords: structured light,complex light,localization,optical modes,optical vortex,photon interactions,photonics,quantum communication,quantum optics,spatial light modulators,twisted light,electronic, optical and magnetic materials,condensed matter physics,computer science applications,applied mathematics,electrical and electronic engineering ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2500/2504
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Science > School of Chemistry
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Chemistry of Light and Energy
Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Centre for Photonics and Quantum Science
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Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 28 May 2020 23:47
Last Modified: 09 Feb 2023 13:53
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/75357
DOI: 10.1117/12.2550305

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