Do light beams cross each other unperturbed?

Ghenadie N. Mardari; James A. Greenwood

doi:10.1117/12.825518

10 September 2009 Do light beams cross each other unperturbed?

Ghenadie N. Mardari, James A. Greenwood

Proceedings Volume 7421, The Nature of Light: What are Photons? III; 742106 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.825518
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We have performed several original experiments, in order to investigate the nature of optical interference. In some contexts, the assumption that light beams suffer perturbations during their interaction is the most plausible. In others, the assumption that they do not is more appealing. Yet, the observable outcomes of both models are compatible with each other, in theory as well as in experiment. We conclude that they work equally well for the purpose of making physical predictions, and that each of them is logically valid. However, their interpretive value is not equal. If we assume that light beams cross each other unperturbed (even at the microscopic level), then we run into theoretical complications and even paradoxes that are not otherwise present.

Citation Download Citation

Ghenadie N. Mardari and James A. Greenwood "Do light beams cross each other unperturbed?", Proc. SPIE 7421, The Nature of Light: What are Photons? III, 742106 (10 September 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.825518

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available