English

The myth of the down converted photon

Quantum Physics 2007-05-23 v1

Abstract

Parametric down conversion (PDC) is widely interpreted in terms of photons, but, even among supporters of this interpretation, many properties of the photon pairs have been described as "mind-boggling" and even "absurd". In this article we argue that a classical description of the light field, taking account of its vacuum fluctuations, leads us to a consistent and rational account of all PDC phenomena. "Nonlocality" in quantum optics is simply an artifact of the Photon Concept. We also predict a new phenomenon, namely the appearance of a second, or satellite PDC rainbow.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.quant-ph/9712001,
  title  = {The myth of the down converted photon},
  author = {Trevor W. Marshall},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/9712001},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

See also http://xxx.lanl.gov/abs/quant-ph/9711029 http://xxx.lanl.gov/abs/quant-ph/9711046 http://www.keyinnov.demon.co.uk

R2 v1 2026-07-22T20:03:02.110Z