Momentum exchange theory of photon diffraction

Abstract

Abstract. Momentum exchange theory (MET) provides an alternative picture for optical diffraction based on a distribution of photon paths through momentum transfer probabilities determined at the scattering aperture. This is contrasted with classical optical wave theory that uses the Huygens-Fresnel principle and sums the phased contributions of wavelets at the point of detection. Single-slit, multiple-slit (Talbot effect), and straightedge diffraction provide significant clues to the geometric parameters controlling momentum transfer probabilities and the relation to Fresnel zone numbers. Momentum transfer is primarily dependent on preferred momentum states at the aperture and the specific location and distance for momentum exchange. Diffraction by an opaque disc provides insight to negative (attractive) dispersions. MET should simplify the analysis of a broadened set of aperture configurations and experimental conditions.

Zitterbewegung structure in electrons and photons

“…Evidently the only way to account for this fact is by reducing diffraction to quantized momentum exchange between each particle and slit. To that end, [61] provides a detailed analysis of optical diffraction patterns explained by photon momentum exchange.…”

Differentiating the Superposition Principle from the Measurable Superposition Effects in Interferometry

“…It is then obvious through the rigorous mathematical logic of Eq. (3) that dark fringes cannot be due to "nonarrival of indivisible photons" [12,13] in these locations. Implication of "single photon interference" is that the detector's role is only to register the arrived energy without any participating in any way in the superposition interaction process itself.…”

Year in Review

“…5 The top downloaded paper provided a tutorial on the characterization of Moiré effects that arise in displays, 6 and the two review papers provided state-of-the-art assessments of self-mixing interferometry for mechanical engineering applications, 7 and high-fidelity imaging spectrometer design for airborne and space-based remote sensing. 8 The two regular papers in the top-ten list included a theoretical paper describing a momentum exchange theory for photon diffraction that uses momentum transfer probability distributions as an alternative to classical wave theory, 9 and an applied paper on an underwater laser communications system based on a 680 nm vertical external cavity surface emitting (VECSEL) laser to achieve wider bandwidth than more prevalent blue-green laser systems. 10 While citation statistics at the end of the publication year are not very reliable, they do indicate some of the potentially most impactful papers.…”