Bachelor thesis defense by Ahmet Can Polat

Title: Maxwell’s Equations and the Photon Wave Function

Abstract:
The Schrodinger equation has always been at the heart of quantum mechanical studies, primarily describing the behavior of matter particles, such as electrons, often in interaction with the classical electromagnetic field.
In this bachelor’s thesis, we explore an alternative approach: understanding quantum mechanics
from the perspective of a single photon. We delve into the hydrogen atom, viewing both the electron and the photon as interconnected entities. Drawing from Maxwell’s vacuum equations, we infer the photon wave function. Although this wave function is recognized in existing literature, it’s seldom employed in such research or covered in standard quantum mechanics courses or introductory studies.

This wave function, coupled to the superposition of 1s and 2pz Hydrogen states, offers a novel
way to describe photon emission. By ensuring the photon wave function is normalized, a photon with the appropriate energy is produced, suggesting a deeper relation between these two objects. It’s important to underline that these findings are initial insights, and there’s a vast landscape yet to be explored for a thorough understanding.