Photon Rest Mass Research Articles

Extended uncertainty principle: A deeper insight into the Hubble tension?

The standard cosmological model, known as the ΛCDM model, has been successful in many respects, but it has some significant discrepancies, some of which have not been resolved yet. In measuring the Hubble-Lemaître parameter, there is an apparent discrepancy which is known as the Hubble tension, defined as differences in values of this parameter measured by the Type Ia Supernovae (SNeIa) data (a model-independent method) and by the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation maps (a model-dependent method). Although many potential solutions have been proposed, the issue still remains unresolved. Recently, it was observed that the Hubble tension can be due to the concept of uncertainty in measuring cosmological parameters at large distance scales through applying the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) in cosmological setups. Extending this pioneering idea, in the present study we plan to incorporate the Extended Uncertainty Principle (EUP) containing a minimal fundamental measurable momentum (or equivalently, a maximal fundamental measurable length) as a candidate setup for describing large-scale effects of Quantum Gravity (QG) to address the Hubble tension and constrain the EUP length scale. In this regard, by finding a relevant formula for the effective photon rest mass in terms of the present-time value of the Hubble-Lemaître parameter, we see that discrepancies in the value of photon rest mass associated with the Hubble-Lemaître parameter values estimated from model-independent and model-dependent methods perhaps is the cause of Hubble tension. We show explicitly that the presence of a non-zero minimal uncertainty in momentum (or non-zero maximal uncertainty in position) measurements as a consequence of the large distance quantum gravity effect addresses the Hubble tension satisfactorily without having to invoke new physics. Moreover, we use the formula for the effective photon rest mass to find some relevant lower bounds on the EUP length scale.

Revisiting constraints on the photon rest mass with cosmological fast radio bursts

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) have been suggested as an excellent celestial laboratory for testing the zero-mass hypothesis of the photon. In this work, we use the dispersion measure (DM)–redshift measurements of 23 localized FRBs to revisit the photon rest mass mγ . As an improvement over previous studies, here we take into account the more realistic probability distributions of DMs contributed by the FRB host galaxy and intergalactic medium (IGM) from the IllustrisTNG simulation. To better account for the systematic uncertainty induced by the choices of priors of cosmological parameters, we also combine the FRB data with the cosmic microwave background data, the baryon acoustic oscillation data, and type Ia supernova data to constrain the cosmological parameters and mγ simultaneously. We derive a new upper limit of mγ ≤ 3.8 × 10-51 kg, or equivalently mγ ≤ 2.1 × 10-15 eV/c2 (mγ ≤ 7.2 × 10-51 kg, or equivalently mγ ≤ 4.0 × 10-15 eV/c2) at 1σ (2σ) confidence level. Meanwhile, our analysis can also lead to a reasonable estimation for the IGM baryon fraction f IGM = 0.873+0.061 -0.050. With the number increment of localized FRBs, the constraints on both mγ and f IGM will be further improved. A caveat of constraining mγ within the context of the standard ΛCDM cosmological model is also discussed.

The Weight of Photons within a Gravitational Field

A fundamental aspect in Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity” is the concept that the rest mass of photons equals zero. This concept makes it impossible that photons interact with a gravitational field. Einstein has solved this problem with General Relativity which has been based on a curved Space-Time continuum.

Theoretical research on the transverse spin of structured optical fields inside a waveguide

Structured optical fields inside a waveguide possess the transverse spin, i.e., the spin angular momentum perpendicular to the direction of the waveguide. The physical origin of the transverse spin can be attributed to the presence of an effective rest mass of photons in guided waves, or equivalently, to the existence of a longitudinal field component, such that the transverse and longitudinal fields together form an elliptical polarization plane. In contrary to the traditional viewpoint, the transverse spin of photons in guided waves is also quantized, and its quantization form is related to the ellipticity of the polarization ellipse. The direction of the transverse spin depends on the propagation direction of electromagnetic waves along the waveguide, such a spin-momentum locking may have important applications in spin-dependent unidirectional optical interfaces. By means of a coupling between the transverse spin of guided waves and some physical degrees of freedom, one can develop an optical analogy of spintronics, i.e., spinoptics.

Special Relativity in Six Dimensions

In the four-dimensional spacetime theory of special relativity, the space coordinate is time contracted along the motion, while perpendicular coordinates are invariant and time varies with position. This leads to a velocity transformation valid at speed of light and used in showing invariance electric and magnetic fields which are invariant along x-axis but change occur along y, and z-axes, contrary to the classical electrodynamics. In this work we introduce a new six-dimensional spacetime theory which allows time (position) change of position (time) in three coordinate axes and still satisfy the Lorentz invariance conditions of metric and Maxwell’s wave equations between two frames. We derive a new velocity transformation rule which is valid at any relative speed of massive frames moving with respect to each other. We derived expressions for relativistic mass, energy, Doppler shift, time dilation, length contraction, photon rest mass, and used the conservation of relativistic power to prove that the electric and magnetic fields and consequently, Maxwell wave equations are Lorentz invariant between two massive frames with and without nonzero photon mass in vacuum and materials medium. Calculated photon mass is in excellent agreement with the measured and observed upper bounds of 1.24x10-54 kg and1.75x 10-53 kg, respectively.

The Completeness of Classical Electromagnetic Theory

The core of classical electromagnetic field theory is Maxwell electromagnetic field equations. Each of its formulas is supported by experimental facts, and its mathematical logic is rigorous and self-consistent, which has been tested for a long time in application.Therefore, its correctness is beyond doubt. In this paper, on the premise of affirming the great significance and important contribution of Maxwell equations(ME), the possible problems and solutions are discussed. Since ME and its derived wave equation (MWE) are vectorized partial differential equations, it is difficult to solve them strictly. In this paper, the solutions of vectorized ME and vectorized MWE are discussed in depth, and the necessity of Hansen function analysis is illustrated before the concrete calculation of engineering structures. Another method is to use vector partial differential operator theory to derive the standard basic equations expressed by state functions, and change the traditional calculation in Euclid space to the calculation in wave function space. Singularities and singularity are also avoided in the process. This paper argues that the completeness and modernity of traditional electromagnetic theory can only be improved by introducing the concept of particle, because the wave field processed by ME is actually a quantum field of light. The motion equation of electromagnetic field in classical theory is ME. In quantum theory, the field vector is an operator, governed by ME. The photon theory successfully explained the photoelectric effect in a way that ME could not. But in the mainstream theory, the photon rest mass is equal to zero, which blocks the way to add particle concept to ME. In 1936, Proca equations assumed ≠0, and with the support of quantum electrodynamics(QED), ME was improved. In this paper, the Proca equations are approved and the Proca wave equation (PWE) is further derived. In short, it reflects the adherence to the concept of wave-particle duality. The extended Maxwell equations proposed by Chinese scientist recently should be emphasized and discussed in this paper.

A New Theory of the Essence and Mass of Photon

Many properties of a single photon, such as density, rest mass, and orbital angular momentum, are still unknown. In a previous study, the photon was presented as a superfluid prolate spheroid structure, with a long-axis radius, short-axis radius, and volume, embodied with two spins—transversal and longitudinal—which are responsible for the three-dimensional helical trajectory of the electromagnetic wave. In this study, the rest mass, density, and energy of photon are mathematically derived, and the relationship between the radius of photon and its frequency is demonstrated. In addition, the difference between the Compton and de Broglie wavelengths is clarified. The calculated density, volume, and rest mass of photon agree with previous experimental results. The photon’s simultaneous longitudinal and transversal spins are moving forces of longitudinal and transversal trajectories, which are the origin of the three-dimensional helix shape of the electromagnetic field. A new mechanism for the photon movement is proposed, and the reason for the zero mass moving photon is revealed; a traveling photon in space exhibits zero mass because its boundaries demonstrate zero relative velocity with the surrounding vacuum. The orbital angular momentum of photon is described using similar macroscopic rotation concepts and applying hydrodynamics laws. A rotating photon is endowed with an angular velocity vector whose magnitude measures the speed with which the radius of the principal axis sweeps an angle, and whose direction indicates the principal axis of rotation and is given by the right-hand rule. The deviation angle is calculated using trigonometric functions, and the origin of the Lorenz factor is revealed.

Radio-frequency Dark Photon Dark Matter across the Sun.

The Dark photon as an ultralight dark matter candidate can interact with the standard model particles via kinetic mixing. We propose to search for the ultralight dark photon dark matter using radio telescopes with solar observations. The dark photon dark matter can efficiently convert into photons in the outermost region of the solar atmosphere, the solar corona, where the plasma mass of photons is close to the dark photon rest mass. Because of the strong resonant conversion and benefiting from the short distance between the Sun and the Earth, the radio telescopes can lead the dark photon search sensitivity in the mass range of 4×10^{-8}-4×10^{-6} eV, corresponding to the frequency 10-1000MHz. As a promising example, the low-frequency array telescope can reach the kinetic mixing ε∼10^{-13} (10^{-14}) within 1 (100) h of solar observations. The future experiment square kilometer array phase 1 can reach ε∼10^{-16}-10^{-14} with 1h of solar observations.

Testing fundamental physics with astrophysical transients

Explosive astrophysical transients at cosmological distances can be used to place precision tests of the basic assumptions of relativity theory, such as Lorentz invariance, the photon zero-mass hypothesis, and the weak equivalence principle (WEP). Signatures of Lorentz invariance violations (LIV) include vacuum dispersion and vacuum birefringence. Sensitive searches for LIV using astrophysical sources such as gamma-ray bursts, active galactic nuclei, and pulsars are discussed. The most direct consequence of a nonzero photon rest mass is a frequency dependence in the velocity of light propagating in vacuum. A detailed representation of how to obtain a combined severe limit on the photon mass using fast radio bursts at different redshifts through the dispersion method is presented. The accuracy of the WEP has been well tested based on the Shapiro time delay of astrophysical messengers traveling through a gravitational field. Some caveats of Shapiro delay tests are discussed. In this article, we review and update the status of astrophysical tests of fundamental physics.

Finding the Photon Mass from Maxwell's Equations and Compton Scattering Theory

The question of whether particles of light have mass has been asked in natural philosophy for centuries, starting with theories such as the corpuscular theory of Newton and contemporaries, based in turn on older ideas back to classical times. In the early twentieth century, Planck and Einstein introduced the concept of the photon, the quantum of light energy. It was proposed by Einstein and others, notably in about 1906, that the photon has mass. The behavior of a photon is strange. The aim of this work is to attempt to theoretically investigate the rest mass of a photon from Maxwell’s equation and Compton scattering theory. In this paper the equation of the electric field intensity in the presence of polarization in vacuum is derived. Maxwell's equations can describe state of electromagnetic waves in any medium. Their physical content is familiar; these equations are derived from the laws of electricity and magnetism. According to electromagnetic theory, the rest mass of photon in free space is zero and also photon has non-zero rest mass, as well as wavelength-dependent. To apply Maxwell's equations and Compton scattering theory this is modified to find the photon rest mass is of the order ~10-49 g which is comparable to that obtained by Coulomb experiment which is of the order ~10-44 g. Our theoretical work on the speculative mass of the photon must be experimentally verified and may open up plausible new applications in different fields.

Rest mass of photon on the surface of matter

The behavior of a photon is strange. It possesses both wave nature and particle nature. Some experiments show both behaviors of photons can exist simultaneously, while some other experiment state that both properties do not co-exists simultaneously. According to electromagnetic theory, the rest mass of photon in free space is zero and also photon has non-zero rest mass, as well as wavelength-dependent. The very recent experiment revealed its non-zero value as 10-54kg(5.610×10-25MeVc-2). Even experimental results concluded that within matter (dispersive) the photon shows its imaginary rest mass. We have no exact answer as to why photon incarnates itself with versatile mass. Here we try to theoretically investigate about the rest mass of a photon. When it touches the surface of matter, it makes illusion and mathematically the rest mass is a complex number. Rest mass of photon depends upon scalar curvature of the surface of matter and wavelength of the photon. Photon itself reveals illusion posing with mass because of its dual nature. We have investigated the wave-particle duality of light, coexistence of wave and particle nature through morphing due to pliable character of light wave. Our theoretical work about the photon’s illusive mass will have to be experimentally verified and it might open plausible new applications in the secure communication of information.

Determination of Photon and Elementary Particles Rest Masses Using Maxwell’s Equations and Generalized Potential Dependent Special Relativity

The nature and origin of the photon and elementary rest masses are some of the challeng-ing problems that physics face. The approaches used to solve these problems are complex and time-consuming. Specifically, the photon rest mass pays attention to theoretical physi-cists. Many experimental works show that the photon rest mass is non zero. This problem can be solved using generalized potential dependent special relativity, which has been de-rived using simple arguments, and Maxwell’s equations, besides the conventional Einstein energy-momentum relation. The results obtained show that the rest mass of photons and elementary particles are strongly dependent on the vacuum energy and a universal con-stant. This result conforms with the models that predict time decaying vacuum energy as-sociated with production of smaller rest mass particles followed by larger masses. The two potential dependent mass expressions conform with the cosmological models that suggest the photon is generated first by assuming the universe consisting of total constant vacuum with decaying cosmological part and mass generating part. Using Maxwell’s equations, beside plank and De Broglie hypothesis together with special relativity energy-momentum relation the photon rest mass is estimated. It was shown that the photon rest mass is ex-tremely small compared to the electron mass.

LIGO’s “GW150914 signal” reproduced under YARK theory of gravity

We provide an alternative explanation of the widely publicized “GW150914 event” in the framework of Yarman-Arik-Kholmetskii (YARK) gravitation theory beyond the hypothesis about gravitational waves (GWs). According to YARK, the coalescence of super-massive bodies in a binary system would induce a related alteration of the respective wavelengths of the laser beams used in the LIGO Michelson-Morley interferometer, and our numerical results well match the GW150914 interference pattern without involving any GWs hypothesis. In addition, the binary merger necessitates a rest mass decrease in YARK (which we calculated to be about 3.1 solar masses) that should be released via electromagnetic radiation emission. Due to a finite (though tiny) rest mass of the photon in YARK theory, there should be a time lag between the arrival of gravitation perturbation and electromagnetic signal to Earth, which substantially depends on the particular value of the photon rest mass, and lies in the range between few years and few hundred years. Thus, at the moment, YARK is the only alternative to GTR, which provides its own interpretation of the LIGO signals without involving the hypothesis about GWs.

Using a Black Hole to Weigh Light: Can the Event Horizon Telescope Yield New Information about the Photon Rest Mass?

It is an exciting time for the study of black holes. The Event Horizon Telescope is due to release the first image of an event horizon, namely that of the black hole Sgr A* at the center of our galaxy (Balick & Brown 1974; Brown 1982). This comes hot on the heels of the first direct detection of a binary black hole merger, using gravitational waves (Abbott et al. 2011).

Testing weak equivalence principle with strongly lensed cosmic transients

Current constraints on Einstein’s weak equivalence principle (WEP) utilize the observed time delay between correlated particles of astronomical sources. However, the intrinsic time delay due to particle emission time and the time delays caused by potential Lorentz-invariance violation and non-zero rest mass of photons were simply omitted in previous studies. Here we propose a robust method to test WEP using strongly lensed cosmic transients, which can naturally overcome these time delays. This can be achieved by comparing the time delays between lensed images seen in different energy bands or in gravitational waves (GWs) and their electromagnetic (EM) counterparts. The power of our method mainly depends on the timing accuracy of cosmic transient and the strong lensing time delay. If the time delay of cosmic transient can be measured with accuracy about 0.1 s (e.g. gamma-ray bursts), we show that the upper limit on the differences of the parameterized post-Newtonian parameter gamma value is varDelta gamma <10^{-7} with a one-month strong lensing time delay event. This accuracy of WEP can be improved by several orders, if the lens is galaxy cluster and the strongly lensed cosmic transients have much shorter duration, such as fast radio bursts.

A New Method to Test the Einstein’s Weak Equivalence Principle

Abstract The Einstein’s weak equivalence principle (WEP) is one of the foundational assumptions of general relativity and some other gravity theories. In the theory of parametrized post-Newtonian (PPN), the difference between the PPN parameters γ of different particles or the same type of particle with different energies, Δγ, represents the violation of WEP. Current constraints on Δγ are derived from the observed time delay between correlated particles of astronomical sources. However, the observed time delay is contaminated by other effects, such as the time delays due to different particle emission times, the potential Lorentz invariance violation, and none-zero photon rest mass. Therefore, current constraints are only upper limits. Here, we propose a new method to test WEP based on the fact that the gravitational time delay is direction-dependent while others are not. This is the first method that can naturally correct other time-delay effects. Using the time-delay measurements of BASTE gamma-ray burst sample and the gravitational potential of local super galaxy cluster Laniakea, we find that the constraint on Δγ of different energy photons can be as low as 10−14. In the future, if more gravitational wave events and fast radio bursts with much more precise time-delay measurements are observed, this method can give a reliable and tight constraint on WEP.

Dirac and non-Dirac conditions in the two-potential theory of magnetic charge

We investigate the Cabbibo–Ferrari, two-potential approach to magnetic charge coupled to two different complex scalar fields, Phi _1 and Phi _2, each having different electric and magnetic charges. The scalar field, Phi _1, is assumed to have a spontaneous symmetry breaking self-interaction potential which gives a mass to the “magnetic” gauge potential and “magnetic” photon, while the other “electric” gauge potential and “electric” photon remain massless. The magnetic photon is hidden until one reaches energies of the order of the magnetic photon rest mass. The second scalar field, Phi _2, is required in order to make the theory non-trivial. With only one field one can always use a duality rotation to rotate away either the electric or magnetic charge, and thus decouple either the associated electric or magnetic photon. In analyzing this system of two scalar fields in the Cabbibo–Ferrari approach we perform several duality and gauge transformations, which require introducing non-Dirac conditions on the initial electric and magnetic charges. We also find that due to the symmetry breaking the usual Dirac condition is altered to include the mass of the magnetic photon. We discuss the implications of these various conditions on the charges.

Combining Newton’s second law and de Broglie’s particle-wave duality

Abstract All matter can exhibit wave-like behaviour, and Louis de Broglie first predicted light to display the dual characteristics as both a collection of particles, called photons, or in some respects as a wave. The particle velocity is the group velocity of the wave, and if the particle velocity u g is subluminal then the associated wave or phase velocity u p through the de Broglie relation u g u p = c 2 is necessarily superluminal. This is believed not to contradict the fact that information cannot be carried faster than the velocity of light c because the wave phase is supposed to carry no energy. However, the superluminal phase velocity may well be physically significant, and here we propose that the sub particle world and the super wave world might be equally important, and that each might exert an influence on the other, such that any mechanical equations must not only be Lorentz invariant but they must also be invariant under the transformation connecting the sub and super worlds. Following this approach, Einstein’s equation E = mc 2 becomes simply E = ( m + m ′ ) c 2 , where m and m ′ are masses given by Einstein expressions arising from the perceived sub and superluminal velocities u g and u p respectively. This modification, although superficially simple, results from non-conventional physics and gives rise to an extension of Newton’s second law, that might well account for the extra energy and mass that is known to exist in the universe, and referred to as dark energy and dark matter. An explicit solution for photons and light predicts a non-zero photon rest-mass m 0 = h ν / 2 c 2 , where h is Planck’s constant and ν is the light frequency. Interestingly, the associated energy of this mass is the zero-point energy, believed to be the lowest energy that a quantum mechanical system may possess.

基于粒子自旋的原子模型与实验分析

原子模型是原子物理学的基础。本文通过粒子自旋实验分析，论述了原子核与电子相互作用原理，提出了基于粒子自旋的原子模型。基于对普朗克常数和相关实验分析，阐述了原子核外层梯度能级、外层电子能量、基本电荷及电磁效应原理。基于光子(基本粒子)静止质量常数假设，论述了电子与光子的相互作用及光电效应原理。最后，论述了氢原子光谱与精细结构常数的联系。本文对原子模型一些基本问题的讨论，将对原子物理学的发展开拓新的思路，对原子物理学的应用展示广阔的前景。 The atomic model is the foundation of atomic physics. In this paper, the principle of atomic nuc-leus interaction with electrons is discussed, and the atomic model based on particle spin is pro-posed by analysis of experimental particle spin. The nucleus outer gradient energy level, outer electron energy, basic charge and electromagnetic effect principle are described based on analysis of the Planck's constant and related experimental. The interaction between electron and photon and the principle of photoelectric effect are discussed based on the assumption of photon (elementary particle) rest mass constant. Finally, the relationship between hydrogen atom spectra and fine structure constants is discussed. This article discusses some basic problems of atomic model, will open up new ideas for the development of atomic physics, showing broad prospects for application of atomic physics.

Translocations In Space-Time and Simultaneous States of the Universe: Convergent Quantifications and Alternative Solutions from the Principles of Physics for the Challenges of “Time Travel” and “Parallel Universes”

                        Translation of four dimensional axes anywhere within the spatial and temporal boundaries of the universe would require quantitative values from convergence between parameters that reflect these limits. The presence of entanglement and volumetric velocities indicates that the initiating energy for displacement and transposition of axes would be within the upper limit of the rest mass of a single photon which is the same order of magnitude as a macroscopic Hamiltonian of the modified Schrödinger wave function. The representative metaphor is that any local 4-D geometry, rather than displaying restricted movement through Minkowskian space, would instead expand to the total universal space-time volume before re-converging into another location where it would be subject to cause-effect. Within this transient context the contributions from the anisotropic features of entropy and the laws of thermodynamics would be minimal. The central operation of a fundamental unit of 10-20 J, the hydrogen line frequency, and the Bohr orbital time for ground state electrons would be required for the relocalized manifestation. Similar quantified convergence occurs for the ~1012 parallel states within space per Planck’s time which solve for phase-shift increments where Casimir and magnetic forces intersect.  Experimental support for these interpretations and potential applications is considered. The multiple, convergent solutions of basic universal quantities suggest that translations of spatial axes into adjacent spatial states and the transposition of four dimensional configurations any where and any time within the universe may be accessed but would require alternative perspectives and technologies.