In the realm of physics, a photon is defined as a fraction of light that is scattered in a vacuum. It is a basic particle that is responsible for the quantum samples of the electromagnetic phenomenon, through it all forms of electromagnetic radiation are conducted, it is not only light, but also X-rays, gamma rays, infrared light, ultraviolet light., microwaves and radio waves.
The photon is characterized by not having mass, a property that allows it to travel in a vacuum at a constant speed. Another of its characteristics is that it does not present an electric charge and does not spontaneously evaporate in a vacuum.
Photons propagate in various natural processes, for example when a particle with its antiparticle is destroyed. They are absorbed during temporary reversal processes. In empty space they move at the speed of light.
Like any particle, the photon shows both corpuscular and wave characteristics. On some occasions it behaves like a wave in certain phenomena such as the refraction of a lens and on others it behaves like a particle, being in contact with matter to transfer a permanent amount of energy.
Originally, Albert Einstein called this particle of light: "quantum of light." Then in 1916 this name was changed to Photon, a word of Greek origin that means "light", this change was made by the physicist Gilbert N. Lewis. In the physical environment, a photon is symbolized by the Greek letter gamma Y.
According to the common prototype of particle physics, photons are responsible for producing all electrical and magnetic areas, and in turn, they are the product of the physical laws presenting certain symmetries at all points of space-time.
At a technological level, photons have many applications, including lasers, which is one of the most important applications, CCD integrated circuits, photochemistry (analysis of the chemical effects of light and the creation of radiation by chemical variations); in the measurement of molecular distances and in the creation of microscopes with better resolutions.
