Abstract 

The particle-based concept of light presents itself as a physical process in the reality-oriented framework. In contrast, the conventional wave description of light particularly in the absence of a tangible propagation medium raises fundamental conceptual concerns and may be regarded as hypothetical in nature. A natural question arises: if the particle concept of light reflects physical reality, why does it struggle to adequately explain key optical phenomena such as constant velocity, refraction, diffraction, interference and polarisation? The limitation, however, does not necessarily lie in the particle concept itself, but rather in the oversimplified characterization of light particles as a structureless entity. When light is treated merely as a massless, chargeless point-like quantum of energy, essential parameters such as internal structure, intrinsic properties and interaction mechanisms are neglected factors that may play a decisive role in governing optical phenomena. In the proposed framework, light particles are not abstract quanta but entities belonging to a micro-micro domain of matter possessing finite mass (expressed in a photonic mass unit), non-electric form of charge (quantified in a photonic charge unit) and having internal structure comprising nucleus and extranuclear space structure, analogous in principle to atomic systems. Just as an atom is ionized by loss of electrons when excited in excess of ionization potential, a light particle moving at high velocity is postulated to lose negatively charged sub-photonic constituents from its orbital structure. As a result, light particles in motion carry a net positive photonic charge. The propagation medium is also re-envisioned as a structured entity composed of space matter particles spanning multiple domains, existing in both neutral and ionized states. This medium is capable of supporting distinct, mutually non-interacting charge fields including both conventional electric fields and non-electric (photonic) charge fields similar to those observed in the Earth’s atmosphere and ionosphere. Light particles, endowed with photonic charge, interact dynamically with the photonic charge fields of the medium through field-particle interactions. The naturally existing charge field in a homogeneous medium is largely inconsequential. However, at interfaces of different mediums, strong photonic potential gradients emerge, leading to highly polarized charge structures. The zero thickness of the interface in the macro domain scale becomes significantly large when expressed in the micro-micro domain scale, allowing a meaningful dynamic of the light particles within the interface medium.

Within this conceptual framework the author has already justified the fundamental optical phenomena including constant velocity, reflection, refraction, grazing incidence, diffraction and interference through consistent physical mechanisms. Following the new concept of light particle and the medium, the present work addresses the phenomenon of polarisation and proposes a coherent mechanism for the scattering of light.

Keywords: Polarization and scattering of light, Structured particle model of photons, Photonic charge dynamics, Sub-photonic particles (pholetrons), Field–particle interaction in medium, Interface-induced charge polarization.

Introduction

The interaction of a particle with a medium is a function of the structure and state property of the particle as well as those of the medium. In the new concept light particles (photons) have nucleus and extra-nuclear space structure with space matter particles and orbital particles (say pholetrons) Fig.1. The newly proposed terminology of pholetrons in photonic structure has similarity with the electron in atomic structure. The light particles carry absolute photonic charge by virtue of non-equilibrium mass-space association [1]. The local charge state of a medium though has an absolute value but is considered zero in relative scale for local charge activity of light particles. A light particle having the absolute potential same as the local space potential of the surrounding medium behaves neutral to the space matter particles of the medium. A light particle carrying charge at higher absolute potential than the absolute charge potential state of the medium is considered as positively charged photon and that carrying charge at lower absolute potential than the charge potential state of the medium is characterised as negatively charged photon in a relative charge potential scale where the absolute charge state of the medium is taken as zero. A photon at zero relative charge potential with reference to the charge potential of the local medium is in neutral to the local medium which is erroneously characterised as neutral matter in absolute sense. The so-called zero potential of neutral matter has a definite absolute charge potential and different relative charge potentials in different relative scales having different reference zero potentials. The above charge characterisation and the concept of neutral particles apply equally to electric and photonic charges in their respective domains [2]. A positive charge potential of one relative scale may become negative in another relative scale and vice versa, however, the absolute charge potential is always positive. The dimensional ranges of different charge interactions are different hence one type of charge doesn’t interact with another type of charge. A space medium associated with a celestial body contains space matter particles of different domains, hence different types of charge fields such as electric, photonic etc. are feasible in the atmosphere of a celestial body [3]. But the space medium of inter atomic space doesn’t contain electric charge bearing micro particles. A space medium in macro scale can have many varieties of charge field present in it and the fields in space medium can interact preferentially with the charge particles of different domains carrying different nature of charge. The electric charge field formed by photonic charge particles (micro-micro domain particles) carrying photonic charge and the photonic charge field is formed by micro-photonic charge particles carrying micro-photonic charge. In view of the above, a space medium/ vacuum, devoid of known form of matter, contains space matter particles of finer domains with multiple charge fields present in it. Any one aspect of study of the space medium introduces erroneous concepts of the space medium. Lack of perception to particles of finer and finer domains and the presence of different nature of charge fields compels one to make abrupt quantum assumptions on the features of particles and the fields as the fundamental unit of existence in nature. Thus, the physical perception of one type of particle or one type of field in a medium lead to an aspect-based conclusion of the reality and not the comprehensive reality of nature. This is something like the well-known story of perception of an elephant gained by six blind persons by touching different parts of the elephant.

Abstract

Diffraction and interference are traditionally assumed to have been caused due to the wave nature of light. Within the framework of modern physics, these phenomena are explained using electromagnetic wave theory and the principle of wave superposition. However, this explanation rests on a fundamental assumption that electromagnetic waves can propagate through empty space without any physical medium. From a commonsense physical perspective, this assumption raises important conceptual difficulties. All known wave phenomena of nature essentially require a definite role of material medium possessing appropriate elastic properties to sustain oscillations for transmission of energy. Further the wave concept of light has limitations in explaining rectilinear propagation, quantum-level interactions where light behaves as particles, most notably the photoelectric effect. It also fails to account for Compton scattering (or Compton effect), black body radiation and the discrete emission spectra of atoms. The notion of a wave existing without medium, therefore appears physically unrealistic and invites reconsideration of the assumptions underlying the wave description of light. Alternatively upgrade the reality-based particle concept of light to justify partial reflection, partial refraction, interference, diffraction and polarization. The limitations of any one concept (particle or wave) in explaining all phenomena of light led scientists to accept both the theories and used them as per convenience. It is also unrealistic to accept duality as a reality of nature. The present author considers the wave theory of light is purely hypothetical and has little stand in real sense, therefore he has augmented the light particle associating tiny mass in photonic mass unit, non-electric charge and mass-space structure which has helped in explaining the dynamics of constant velocity in a medium, reflection, refraction through conventional dynamics. The conventional interface of zero thickness in macro domain scale has significantly large thickness having a photonic charged polarised structure. The light particle carrying positive photonic charge is accelerated in the photonic field with increasing space potential and is decelerated with decreasing space potential within the interface. On the basis of the new concept this paper presents a conceptual justification for interference and diffraction of light. 

Keywords: Interference and diffraction of light, Particle-based light model, Photonic charge and mass, Structured space medium, Field–particle interaction, Interface polarization effects.

Introduction

The historical development of wave optics originally included the concept of a luminiferous medium, but this idea was largely abandoned following the rise of modern electromagnetic theory. As a result, diffraction and interference are interpreted today as purely wave-based phenomena arising from the spreading and superposition of electromagnetic fields. Nevertheless, several aspects of these phenomena, particularly the formation of discrete fringe structures and their dependence on boundary conditions, may also be examined from an alternative perspective that does not rely on the existence of self-propagating waves in empty space.

In this article, diffraction and interference are reconsidered within a particle-based concept of light in which light consists of structured photonic particles possessing finite properties of mass in photonic mass unit, momentum and non-electric charge [1] [2]. In this framework, the surrounding space is not treated as an empty void but as a structured medium capable of interacting with moving photonic particles. The interaction between photons, boundaries, and the structured space medium can naturally lead to organized spatial patterns that resemble the fringe structures commonly attributed to wave interference.

The purpose of this work is therefore not merely to reinterpret classical optical phenomena but to explore whether diffraction and interference may arise from deterministic particle–medium interactions rather than the hypothetical wave superposition. Such an approach aims to restore a cause–effect description consistent with physical intuition while opening a possible pathway toward a more unified understanding of light and space.

Discussion

The reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference and polarization of light are surface related phenomena, hence understanding the surface (interface) of two media is of vital importance in addition to proper understanding of light particles and the medium in respect of their physical structure and properties such as the charge state for a clear conceptual understanding of the phenomena of light. In the new concept, particles of all domains have a centrally organized structure having a nucleus and extra nuclear space structure containing orbital particles at discrete distances. The extra nuclear space structure in any domain has a space density graded structure and contains space matter particles in equilibrium with the space structure due to mass-space attraction. The spatial density of space matter particles is directly proportional to the number density of space matter particles which can be visualized from the structure of the atmosphere of the earth.   Beside the local neutrality of space structure, there exists a charge field structure within the extra nuclear space structure which is caused by the charge distribution within the core and crust of the particle. Due to different range and strength of charge interaction among charge particles of different domains, different nature of charges (electric and non-electric) interplay in different nature of field-particle interactions. The inter atomic space medium contains space matter particles of micro-micro domain (light particles) in neutral state as well as charge state similar to the existence of neutral atoms, ions and free electrons in the interplanetary space. The interface structure is primarily composed of a space medium containing micro-micro domain space matter particles (light particles) and there exists a charge polarised structure due to stiff photonic potential gradient between the interfacing mediums which causes different phenomena of light due to field-particle interaction. 

Interference

An atomic particle would be found as a massless and structureless point particle in macro domain scale; however, the same atomic particle has nucleus and extra nucleus space structure with electron configuration in micro domain scale. Recently this author has explored the reality of light particles in micro-micro domain scale and suggested the existence of mass in photonic mass unit, non-electric charge in photonic charge unit and structure in photonic dimension scale [3]. In this new concept light particle is also a particle of matter of micro-micro domain which is one domain below the atomic domain. The physical existence of light particles in space medium gives a new connotation of the space/vacuum medium as photonic gas. The particle-particle interaction, field-particle interaction and field-field interaction have unified significance in micro domain and micro-micro domain. A charge particle ‘A’ of one domain forms a charge field in its surrounding medium and the charge field is formed by space matter particles of finer domains having gradient of state properties. Likewise, a second charge particle ‘B’ forms its charge field in the medium by the finer domain particles. If particle ‘B’ comes closer to ‘A’ then the field of ‘B’ superimposes on the field of ‘A’ where the structure of the field within the zone of intersection is reorganized by rearrangement of active space matter particles of finer domain. The interaction causing reorganization of stricture in the zone of intersection can be described in different ways as particle-particle interaction, field-particle interaction and field-field interaction. Thus, the significance of field-field interaction is otherwise the collective interaction of space matter particles in finer domains belonging to different fields. Hence, it is not required to presume that a field is a fundamental entity of nature since field interaction is otherwise the collective interaction of particles in finer domain. 

The very existence of micro-micro particles (light particles) in different active states (non-electric charge state) has their placement in macro structure, micro structure of matter and the structure of space medium/vacuum medium. Thus, an active light particle carrying photonic charge when transits through a space medium, some of the active space matter particles in its closer proximity interacts with the transiting light particle. By this interaction the transiting light particle would respond to interaction with space matter particles of the medium (field) thereby undergoing acceleration, deceleration and change of direction. The space matter particle forming field also undergoes dynamic fluctuation due to the transit of the light particle. Another light particle passing close to the fluctuating field particles, responds to the fluctuation which causes interference of light. Spreading of light beams is caused due to interference. 

Diffraction

The role of interface structure in reflection, refraction and grazing of light has been discussed elsewhere [4] [5]. The diffraction phenomenon of light is caused due to field-particle interaction within the photonic charge polarised structure of the interface. Light passing close to sharp edges moves through the interface structure where bending of light (diffraction) occurs. Positively charged light particles are accelerated in the photonic charge field with decreasing photonic space potential and decelerated in the increasing space potential. Light particles moving along the field direction (normal to the surface /interface) experience strong field-particle interaction and the particles undergo acceleration and deceleration depending on decreasing or increasing space potential of the field (Fig. 1). 

Abstract

The phenomenon of grazing incidence of light is conventionally explained within the framework of electromagnetic wave theory, where boundary conditions naturally lead to wave alignment along an interface at shallow angles. However, the wave description raises fundamental concerns regarding the propagation of light in the absence of a tangible medium, as wave phenomena typically require a medium possessing suitable elastic properties. In contrast, the particle concept of light offers a more physically intuitive basis, as particles can propagate through a medium without dependence on its elastic characteristics. 

The dominance of wave theory, largely due to its success in explaining certain optical phenomena, has led to the acceptance of wave–particle duality as an intrinsic quality of nature. This work challenges the duality standpoint by emphasizing the particle model, particularly when it has a satisfying explanation for rectilinear propagation, reflection, refraction and the photoelectric effect. Building upon earlier studies, the author introduces an enhanced particle framework incorporating finite mass, non-electric charge (photonic charge) and a structured mass–space interaction (field-particle interaction) within the interface medium. Within this perspective, the present paper develops a unified physical mechanism to explain the grazing behaviour of light. The proposed model aims to provide a coherent, causally grounded alternative to wave-based interpretations, with the potential to account for a broader range of optical phenomena without involving duality. 

Keywords: Grazing incidence of light, Particle model of light, Photonic charge, Interface polarization, Field–particle interaction, Micro-micro domain dynamics.

Introduction

Light exhibits different phenomena (rectilinear propagation, reflection, refraction, grazing, diffraction, interference, polarization, photoelectric effect, constant velocity in a medium etc.). This author fails to accept the feasibility of propagation of light waves in vacuum medium without having the required wave propagating properties and provides alternative justification in support of the particle concept of light [1]. The author has further argued on the existence of a tiny mass of photon in the photonic mass unit (micro-micro domain mass unit) the magnitude of which is zero in atomic mass unit [2]. Further, the light particles carry non-electric charge which has interaction in micro-micro domain range [3]. Thus, in the new concept, light as a particle of matter having mass, charge and internal structure in micro-micro domain scale has scope in exploring justification for different phenomena of light. The physical existence of light as a particle of matter introduces new physical perception of vacuum/space. The additional features of light particle and medium have scope to overcome the limitations of the corpuscular theory in explaining different phenomena of light. The dynamics of reflection and refraction has been explained from the above concept of light [4]. The new concept of light being closer to reality, has a bright scope of explaining diffraction, interference and polarization phenomena of light. The structure of light particles also has similarity with the structures of the atomic particle, solar system and galactic system in having nucleus and extra nucleus space structure due to mass-space interaction [5]. The new structural concept of light particles and the medium provide justification for the different constant velocities of light in different mediums including the maximum velocity in vacuum/space medium [6].

Discussion

The gaseous state of matter is conceptualised through the presence of atomic, molecular and sub-atomic particles in space medium. The perception of the existence of matter in finer domain (micro-micro domain) and their presence as space matter particles in space/vacuum medium gives rise to the revised understanding of space/vacuum as photonic gas. The organized pattern of micro-micro particles of matter in neutral and charge states go to form the structure of electric field in space medium hence we may not have to assume that field itself is a fundamental entity of nature. The new concept of light particle and the new concept of space medium enable classical physics to deal with different phenomena of light through conventional dynamics. 

The grazing phenomenon is not confined to light particle (micro-micro particle) alone. In micro domain grazing of incident of electrons, ions and atoms on surfaces occurs at very shallow angles leading to surface channeling. In the macro domain, the grass cutter shot of football resembles the phenomenon of grazing where the ball undergoes skimming or just above the turf. Thus, the phenomenon of grazing is common to micro-micro particles (light particle), micro particles (electrons, ions and atoms) and macro bodies such as football. The best way to conceptualizeα the mechanism of grazing of light is to analyse the grazing of a football. The football hitting the ground at shallow angle (α) has two velocity components, 1) c sin , normal to the surface and 2) c cos , parallel to the surface. The normal component of velocity makes the football rebound. However, the rebound velocity is reduced due to loss of energy in partial inelastic impact and windage. On the other hand, the parallel component of velocity is gradually reduced by friction and windage. The drop in the vertical component of rebound velocity is conveniently accounted for by the coefficient of restitution. An elastic ball dropped from a height H never reaches its original position after rebound because the collision is not 100 percent elastic. The ball bounces on ground again and again, each time with a reduction of its rebound velocity and finally comes to rest. Similarly, the vertical component of the football hitting at shallow angle becomes zero after a few bouncing. The horizontal component experiences frictional resistance from ground during contact period. The frictional resistance acts tangentially on the contact surface of the ball whereas the inertial force acts at the center of mass of the ball thus producing a turning moment to roll the ball. A part of the linear kinetic energy of the ball is converted to rotational kinetic energy due to mass moment of inertia. Thus, due to the lack of 100% elastic collision, the bouncing of football on ground gradually reduces its amplitude and finally approaches zero. Thereafter, the ball only rolls and finally comes to rest due to rolling friction and windage. But light particle maintains a constant speed in a uniform medium due to a different mechanism discussed elsewhere [6]. However, the velocity of light undergoes acceleration and deceleration in the highly polarised photonic charge field structure within the interface. 

The surface of dense medium (solid/liquid) facing the less dense medium (gas/space medium) forms an interface between the mediums spreading over few atomic dimensions significantly towards the lighter medium [4]. The interface structure is primarily composed of micro-micro domain matter. The photonic charge potential difference across interfaces causes charge polarization within the di-photonic interface medium similar to electric charge polarization in a di-electric material. The polarized photonic charge-field originates from high inter atomic space potential of dense medium and gradually slows down within the interface which becomes remarkable in micro-micro domain scale. A positively charged light particle in its transit through interface undergoes acceleration and deceleration of its normal component (the component, perpendicular to the interface) due to increasing and decreasing photonic potential of the charge polarised field. A positively charged photon carrying photonic charge accelerates towards decreasing photonic space potential even when the charge-potential gradient is caused by charge polarization. However, the acceleration is modified (weakened) in a polarised field. Thus, the normal component of velocity of light particle carrying positive photonic charge is accelerated in the direction of decreasing photonic potential and is decelerated in the direction of increasing photonic potential within the photonic charge polarised interface medium. The photonic charge field (potential gradient) is zero at photonic charge potential maxima and minima. A light particle approaching a positive potential maximum overcomes the photonic charge field barrier by utilising its kinetic energy thereby its normal component of the velocity is gradually reduced. If the perpendicular component of kinetic energy, possessed by virtue of its velocity component normal to interface is enough to overcome the barrier of photonic potential maximum, then it would enter into the different photonic field with decreasing potential where the light particle would be accelerated up to the point of negative potential maximum. The photon particle once again finds a field with increasing potential where it loses its kinetic energy due to opposing field effects. If a light particle has enough energy, then it would as well cross over the second field barrier. Light at any angle of incidence could have obeyed the laws of reflection since the field conditions under acceleration and deceleration of the normal velocity component is identical for the incident path and the reflected path. But there is always loss of energy due to unevenness of the field within the interface. The magnitude of the vertical component of velocity of light particles approaching the interface at a shallow angle being very small, the directed kinetic energy normal to interface is also very small and the loss of energy in rebound becomes significant. In such a case the normal component of reflected light doesn’t have enough energy to overcome the field barrier in its reflected path which makes the light particle to undergo back and forth motion around the plane of negative maximum potential, each time reducing its amplitude. Finally, the light particle moves parallel to the interface along the equipotential plane along the negative maximum potential plane which results in the grazing effect of light. 

The grazing mechanism of light is now described in relation to figure for easier understanding. Figure-1 shows the schematic view of the photonic potential structure within the interface between solid medium and space medium. The inter-atomic space potential (photonic charge potential) within the solid is much higher than the space potential of the space medium. The cross-section of interface medium shown in micro-micro scale identifies the equipotential planes at potential maxima and minima marked as planes A-A’, B-B’, C-C’, D-D’, E-E’, F-F’, G-G’ and H-H’. The planes B-B’, D-D’, F-F’ and H-H’ correspond to potential maxima and the planes A-A’, C-C’, E-E’ and G-G’ correspond to potential minima. A light particle carrying positive photonic charge approaching towards the solid surface (plane H-H’) finds the increasing space potential in its journey from A-A’ to B-B’, C-C’ to D-D’, E-E’ to F-F’ and G-G’ to H-H’ where the velocity drops gradually due to the conventional field particle interaction. And during the transit of the said light particle from B-B’ to C-C’, D-D’ to E-E’ and F-F’ to G-G’ the velocity gains due to field particle interaction in a decreasing space potential. On the other hand, any light particle coming through solid medium or reflected from H-H’ plane crosses the photonic polarised structure of the interface in its way to space medium. The photonic charge field with increasing potential for a photon’s transit from space medium to solid medium becomes a field with decreasing potential for the photon transiting from solid medium to space medium. Similarly, the photonic charge field with decreasing potential for a photon’s transit from space medium to solid medium becomes a field with increasing potential for the photon transiting from solid medium to space medium. The light particle travelling from space medium to solid medium or solid medium to space medium undergoes acceleration and deceleration in different layers of potential structure of the interface due to different nature of field particle interaction.

Abstract

Certain events are so common that it skips the scientific enquiry as to why it is so? The natural growth of trees is directed vertically upwards. For such directional growth, a directional dominating force in the growing-front is essential. It is also seen that the direction can be changed responding to the direction of centrifugal force if the pot with the tree is kept on a spinning disc. Obviously, when the magnitude of centrifugal force is high, the natural directional force in the vertical direction becomes significant. Electric field influences plant growth, generally leading to increased germination rates, and accelerated growth depending on factors like the field strength, duration, and polarity of the field. This article has discussed the possible nature of forces that grow plants vertically upward direction.

Key wards: growth direction of trees, field forces in plant growth, electric field of earth, field effect on plant growth.

Introduction

Plants like animals require food for survival. The plants require sunlight for synthesis of their food and many physiological processes. Plants kept inside a room facing a window are seen to bend towards the window to get more sunlight. From this phenomenon, one might say that the plants grow upward because the mean position of the sun is vertically upward. When a plant grows upward the mass of the plant increases and the center of gravity of the plant shifts upward. In the growth process the plant is doing work against gravity. Obviously, some vertically upward force stronger than gravity is in action and we need to understand the same.

Discussion

Only in the equatorial zone, the sun’s mean position is vertical. However, in higher latitudes (polar regions) the sunlight is always oblique and the mean position of the sun is also inclined to the vertical. If the above hypothesis is correct, then all trees in higher latitudes would have been tilted towards the Equator (Fig.1). In fact, this does not happen. Obviously, there is a stronger vertically upward field force acting on the growing-front of the trees which promotes the growth of trees in vertically upward direction against gravity. On surveying the various fields (potential gradients) present near the surface of the Earth, we notice the presence of three distinct types of fields. They are: (1) the gravity field, (2) the positive electric field on average 100 volts/meter and 3) the negative thermal field (6oC/km). Beside the above fields; there may be some less-known fields. Let us examine how the growth of trees respond to the thermal and the electric fields.