[Physics] Does each photon have a unique wavelength

discretefrequencyphotonswavelength

Since the frequencies (or inversely, wavelengths) of photons are part of a continuous realm, doesn't this mean that no photon has exactly the same frequency?

Two photons might have the same apparent wavelength due to our measurement limitations, but that doesn't mean they'd be exactly the same. In a continuous realm, how can anything be exactly the same? Also, there seems to be no uncertainty mechanism that limits the accuracy to which the frequency can be measured, so no help there either.

Best Answer

The uncertainty principle limits our ability to determine the wavelength of a particle with infinite precision. At the same time, there is no fundamental reason why any two photons (even if generated by exactly the same process) should produce exactly the same wavelength; however, you can be sure that there will be plenty that are the same within the limits of nature's ability to measure them (note - not our limits, but those of nature).

Whether that is sufficient to say they are the same - or just "not observably different" is an area of philosophy that I don't feel qualified to enter.

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