11 April 2022
A pure quantum effect as the key to a better understanding of the subatomic world / New research program in Mainz bundles a wide range of expertise
In classical physics, the superposition of light waves resulting in interference is a well-known phenomenon. An interaction of light rays in the sense of a scattering is, however, classically impossible. Conversely, in the subatomic world, which is described by quantum effects, the quantum particles of light – known as photons – do indeed interact with each other. Moreover, photon-photon interactions play a crucial role in the Standard Model of particle physics. A better understanding of this pure quantum effect is the key to gaining important new insights both within the Standard Model as well as beyond it. ..