Holes and Photons as Dual Manifestations of Electron Displacement.

Soumendra Nath Thakur

May 24, 2005

In Extended Classical Mechanics (ECM), photons and holes are proposed as dual manifestations of electron displacement. This means that both phenomena are different ways of understanding the effects of an electron moving from one location to another, whether that movement is through a change in energy level, conductive drift, or field interaction. Specifically, photons represent the released kinetic energy, while holes represent a localized deficit of mass-energy equilibrium, both characterized by negative apparent mass.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Electron Displacement and its Energetic Consequences:

·         When an electron changes its state, it can either absorb or emit energy in the form of a photon. This is a fundamental aspect of how electrons interact with electromagnetic fields and other atoms in materials.

·         The displacement of an electron can also lead to the creation of a hole, which is a vacant electron energy state. Holes behave as if they have a positive charge, moving in the opposite direction to electrons.

2. Photons as Carriers of Released Kinetic Energy:

·         In ECM, photons are viewed not just as packets of electromagnetic radiation, but also as carriers of kinetic energy released during electron transitions.

·         This energy can be transferred to other systems, causing them to change their state or move.

3. Holes as Localized Deficits of Mass-Energy Equilibrium:

·         When an electron moves, it leaves behind a "vacancy" or hole.

·         This hole is not a physical particle, but rather a manifestation of a localized deficit of mass-energy equilibrium.

·         The presence of a hole affects the overall system's energy and apparent mass.

4. Unifying Kinetic Energy Exchange and Apparent Mass:

·         By linking photons and holes as dual manifestations of electron displacement, ECM aims to unify the concepts of kinetic energy exchange and apparent mass dynamics.

·         This means that the seemingly separate phenomena of electron movement, photon emission/absorption, and hole creation can be understood within a single framework.

5. Implications for Solid-State Physics and Beyond:

·         This perspective has implications for understanding various solid-state phenomena, such as semiconductor behaviour, electrical conduction, and the behaviour of materials in electric and magnetic fields.

·         It also has potential applications in areas like quantum computing and advanced materials science.

Reference:

Thakur, S. N. (2025). Holes and photons as dual manifestations of electron displacement in extended classical mechanics: In ResearchGate [Journal-article]. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.20536.87041

Layman's Summary:

Simple Explanation for Everyone:

In modern physics, especially in Extended Classical Mechanics (ECM), there's a new way to understand how energy moves when electrons shift position. Imagine an electron jumping from one place to another—this action can show up in two ways:

1. Photon: A Burst of Energy

• When an electron moves, it can release energy in the form of light or radiation. This is called a photon.

• Think of it as a spark or pulse of motion energy the electron leaves behind.

• In ECM, this energy isn’t just random—it's the kinetic energy the electron gave up when it moved.

2. Hole: A Missing Piece

• The place the electron left behind now has a “hole.”

• A hole isn't a real particle—it’s like a gap where an electron used to be.

• But this gap affects things—it behaves like a positive charge, and it changes the balance of energy in that spot.

3. Two Sides of the Same Coin

• ECM says photons and holes are connected. They're two ways of seeing the same thing: the result of an electron moving.

• A photon is the energy that flies away.

• A hole is the missing energy left behind.

4. Why It Matters

• This idea helps us better understand how electricity works, especially in things like semiconductors, LEDs, and possibly quantum computers.

• It gives scientists a unified way to look at how energy shifts in materials.

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In Short:

When an electron moves, it gives off energy (photon) and leaves behind a gap (hole). ECM treats these as two connected results of one event.