The Shape of Light: Groundbreaking Study Visualizes Single Photon

The shape of a single photon (Credits: Benjamin Yuen)

Scientists at the University of Birmingham have achieved a breakthrough in quantum physics by developing a new theory that reveals the precise shape of a single photon for the first time. The research, published in Physical Review Letters and led by Dr. Benjamin Yuen and Professor Angela Demetriadou, provides unprecedented insight into how light particles interact with matter at the quantum level.

The study addresses a long-standing challenge in quantum physics: modeling the infinite possibilities of light-matter interactions. The research team innovatively grouped these possibilities into distinct sets, creating a computational model that describes both the immediate interactions between photons and emitters, and how the energy propagates into the surrounding space.

A significant achievement of this work was the creation of the first-ever visualization of a single photon, which emerged as a byproduct of their theoretical calculations. This visualization was made possible by transforming what was previously considered an unsolvable problem into a computable model.

The implications of this research extend far beyond theoretical physics. The ability to precisely define photon-matter interactions opens new possibilities in various practical applications, including secure communications, pathogen detection, and molecular-level chemical reaction control. Professor Demetriadou emphasized that environmental factors, such as geometry and optical properties, significantly influence photon behavior, including their shape, color, and probability of existence.

Dr. Yuen highlighted two key contributions of their work: enhanced understanding of light-matter energy exchange and better comprehension of light radiation patterns in both near and far fields. Information previously dismissed as noise can now be interpreted and utilized meaningfully. This deeper understanding lays the groundwork for engineering advanced light-matter interactions, with potential applications in improving sensors, photovoltaic cells, and quantum computing systems.

The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.