High Energy Photon Recieved as Lesser Energy Photons?

In summary, it is possible for a single high energy photon to be emitted and received as multiple lower energy photons. This can occur through spontaneous parametric down-conversion in certain materials. However, in the vacuum, pair production and recombination may also produce different numbers of photons at high energies. On Earth, pair production typically results in the production of an electron-positron pair, which can then produce two 511 keV photons.
  • #1
Chris Frisella
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Is it possible (and has it been observed) where a single high energy photon is emitted, but then is received as multiple lower energy photons?
 
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  • #2
This can happen when the photon is absorbed and re-emitted through some "non-linear" materials. See Spontaneous parametric down-conversion.

I don't know if at high photon energies (gamma rays) in vacuum you could get pair production and then recombination producing different number of photons. Maybe someone else can answer that.
 
  • #3
Pair production requires something in addition to the gamma ray. At high enough density (right after the big bang) it can be photon+photon.

On Earth pair production takes place by interacting with nuclei (necessary for momentum conservation). Typical result is production of electron-positron pair. The positron gets annihilated with an electron to produce two 511 kev photons, which is less than the original gamma ray (> 1022 kev).
 
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Likes MisterX
  • #4
Thank you both!
 

Related to High Energy Photon Recieved as Lesser Energy Photons?

1. What is "High Energy Photon Received as Lesser Energy Photons"?

"High Energy Photon Received as Lesser Energy Photons" refers to a phenomenon where a high-energy photon, such as an X-ray or gamma ray, interacts with matter and is converted into multiple lower-energy photons.

2. How does this phenomenon occur?

This phenomenon occurs through a process called Compton scattering, where the high-energy photon collides with an electron in the material and transfers some of its energy to the electron. The electron then emits a lower-energy photon in a different direction.

3. What are the applications of this phenomenon?

This phenomenon has several applications in fields such as medical imaging, materials science, and astronomy. In medical imaging, it is used in X-ray imaging techniques to produce clearer images with less radiation exposure. In materials science, it can be used to study the properties of materials by analyzing the scattered photons. In astronomy, it helps us study the composition and structure of stars and galaxies.

4. Can this phenomenon be controlled or manipulated?

Yes, this phenomenon can be controlled and manipulated to some extent. The amount of energy transferred to the electron and the direction of the scattered photons can be affected by factors such as the type of material and the angle of incidence of the high-energy photon.

5. Are there any potential risks associated with this phenomenon?

The main risk associated with this phenomenon is the potential for radiation exposure. In medical imaging, precautions are taken to minimize the exposure to X-rays, and in other applications, safety measures are put in place to protect individuals from high levels of radiation.

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