NON-EXISTENCE OF PHOTON SPIN IN CONVENTIONAL THEORY

B. Lehnert

Title	NON-EXISTENCE OF PHOTON SPIN IN CONVENTIONAL THEORY
Publication Type	Journal Article
Year of Publication	2006
Authors	Lehnert, B
Volume	10
Issue	1
Start Page	79
Pagination	6
Date Published	2006
ISSN	1083-2564
AMS	78A25, 78A40
Abstract	Maxwell’s equations have been used as a guideline in conventional quantum electrodynamics. Also the related Poynting vector has thereby formed the basis for the quantized field momentum. In this letter the conventional theory is applied to the model of a unidirectionally propagating photon, as described in a cylindrical frame of reference. Due to the vanishing electric field divergence of Maxwell’s equations in the vacuum, the photon field is then found to be purely transverse, having a Poynting vector and energy flow in the axial direction of propagation only, and leading to the unacceptable result of a nonexisting angular momentum (spin). One possible way of avoiding this shortcoming is provided by a revised electromagnetic theory which includes the additional degree of freedom of a nonzero electric field divergence in the vacuum state.
URL	http://www.acadsol.eu/en/articles/10/1/8.pdf
Refereed Designation	Refereed
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