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Scientists Reveal What a Single Photon Really Looks Like for the First Time

Reseachers uses quantum simulations to vizualize the shape of a photon emitted by a single nanoparticle -- in this case, it's lemon-shaped.

Image Included

When we look at the world around us, all that we see is thanks to light. It reflects, refracts, and interacts, carrying shape and depth from the objects it touches.

But what about light itself?

Physicists have now visualized the simulated shape of a photon (the smallest unit of light) emitted from the surface of a nanoparticle using a novel theoretical model. These findings offer new insights into how light behaves, potentially paving the way for innovations in nanophotonics and quantum technology.

“We were able to produce this image of a photon, something that hasn’t been seen before in physics,” said theoretical physicist Ben Yuen, lead author of the study.

• What Does a Photon Look Like?:

The visualization, produced by researchers at the University of Birmingham, is not a photograph; you can’t simply photograph a photon. Instead, it’s a detailed simulation derived from quantum calculations. “Our calculations enabled us to convert a seemingly insolvable problem into something that can be computed,” said Dr. Yuen. “And, almost as a by-product of the model, we were able to produce this image of a photon, something that hasn’t been seen before in physics.”

• Why Does It Matter?:

By better understanding the fundamental interactions between light and matter, scientists can design advanced technologies. The findings could be useful in fields ranging from quantum computing to renewable energy. “By understanding this, we set the foundations to engineer light-matter interactions for future applications,” said Yuen. “Think better sensors, improved photovoltaic energy cells, or quantum computing.”

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October 8, 2025 in News, Physics

- zmescience com science news -