Unraveling Light: Bridging Maxwell's Waves and Einstein's Photons

During a seminar at IIT Kanpur, Dr. Dhiraj Sinha from Plaksha University discussed how photons emerge from Maxwell's fields, provoking a spirited debate. His work connects classical electromagnetism with quantum mechanics, offering fresh insights into light-matter interaction, though met with both intrigue and critique from attendees.

In a riveting seminar at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Dr. Dhiraj Sinha of Plaksha University delivered an eye-opening lecture, exploring the emergence of Einstein's photons from Maxwell's fields. The lecture, part of a scientific seminar on August 18, delved into the dual nature of light—a topic that sparked a lively debate among physicists present.

Dr. Sinha, drawing from a recent article he published in the Annals of Physics, highlighted how the particle nature of light can be interpreted through classical electromagnetic fields, using Maxwell's equations as a backdrop. This novel perspective, straddling the worldviews of both Maxwell and Einstein, questioned existing paradigms about light's fundamental nature.

The intense discourse witnessed interactions between various faculty members at IIT Kanpur and Dr. Sinha, leading to rigorous exchanges over his theoretical approach, particularly regarding magnetic flux quantisation and the absence of electric field considerations in the argument. Despite critiques, the seminar reignited debates on light's elusive nature, captivating attendees from diverse scientific disciplines.

(With inputs from agencies.)