On the first quantization and quantum diversity of photons
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Quantum theory of photons based on the first quantization technique, similar to that used by Schrödinger in the formulation of quantum mechanics, is considered. First, scalar quantum mechanics of photons operating with the photon wave functions is discussed. Using the first quantization, the wave equation, the Schrödinger-like equations, and the Dirac equation for photons are derived. Then, vector quantum mechanics of photons is introduced, which defines the electromagnetic vector fields. Using the first quantization, the Maxwell equations for photons in a magneto-dielectric medium are obtained. Because the photon’s electric and magnetic fields satisfy the Maxwell equations, all that is known about the classical optical fields can be directly transferred to photons demonstrating their quantum diversity. Relationships between the scalar and vector quantum mechanics of photons and between the Dirac and Maxwell equations are analyzed. To describe the propagation of photons in dispersive media, modified Maxwell equations are introduced.
Source: Advanced Photonics
Author: Boris Chichkov
Institution: Leibniz University Hannover
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
OpenAlex ID: W4413286041