Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Researchers Visualize Photon Shape Using Novel Simulation

10/9/2025

45 7

Summary

Story summary

University of Birmingham researchers, led by Ben Yuen, used a novel theoretical model to visualize a photon.
The visualization is a simulation, not a photo, showing the intensity distribution of a photon from a silicon nanoparticle.
The study combines quantum field theory and nanoparticle interactions, with the environment significantly influencing the photon’s shape; it is published in Physical Review Letters.

1 of 1

Story summary

University of Birmingham researchers, led by Ben Yuen, used a novel theoretical model to visualize a photon.
The visualization is a simulation, not a photo, showing the intensity distribution of a photon from a silicon nanoparticle.
The study combines quantum field theory and nanoparticle interactions, with the environment significantly influencing the photon’s shape; it is published in Physical Review Letters.