You're partially correct, Ken. However, the photon (in quantum mechanics) is the particle that mediates the electromagnetic force; photon also the name given to the particle that is a quantum of electromagnetic energy. Thus, photons are involved as the particle analog to an electromagnetic wave. Also, an electron beam is not identical to an electromagnetic wave in the sense you are trying to characterize them.
The primary difference between bosons (photons are bosons) and fermions (which leptons are classified as; electrons are leptons) is boson have integer spins, while fermions have fractional spins (spin is a classification of "intrinsic angular momentum") and bosons are not constrained by the Pauli Exclusion Principle, whereas fermions are. This does not address why an electromagnetic wave of longer wavelength may be redirected by the presence of an external magnetic or electric field, while light is less affected. More properly, it is not an electron that creates an electromagnetic wave, it's charge; electrons just happen to possess a quantum of electric charge. An electric charge at rest radiates an electric field. An electric charge in motion creates a magnetic field, irrespective of acceleration. Theoretically, it should be possible to magnetically or electrically redirect light. By definition, light is visible and exists only between the wavelengths of 700 nm-400 nm. "Light" and "optical radiation" has been extended to other wavelengths (ir and uv) in the common vernacular mostly because of "lasers" being used at those wavelengths. Regards, Peter L. Tarver, PE Product Safety Manager Sanmina-SCI Homologation Services [email protected] > From: Ken Javor > Sent: Friday, January 10, 2003 9:24 AM > > The answer is independent of frequency, it is the > nature of the particle > (electron vs. photon) that is key. I have > forgotten the terminology, but > one type of particle is called a boson, and per > my (quite possibly faulty) > recollection, bosons do not interact with > electromagnetic fields. For > example, you can use either an electric or > magnetic field to deflect and > point an electron beam, but you cannot do so with > a beam of light. > This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. Visit our web site at: http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/emcs/pstc/ To cancel your subscription, send mail to: [email protected] with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: [email protected] Dave Heald: [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: [email protected] Jim Bacher: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://ieeepstc.mindcruiser.com/ Click on "browse" and then "emc-pstc mailing list"
