Franson, J.D.2022-02-082022-02-082022-07-18Franson, J. D. "Experimental test of the third quantization of the electromagnetic field." Phys. Rev. A 106, no. 1 (18 July 2022). https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.106.013713http://hdl.handle.net/11603/24137https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.106.013713Each mode 𝑗 of the electromagnetic field is mathematically equivalent to a harmonic oscillator with a wave function ψⱼ(xⱼ) in the quadrature representation. An approach was recently introduced in which ψⱼ(xⱼ) was further quantized to produce a field operator ˆψⱼ(xⱼ) [J.D. Franson, Phys. Rev. A 104, 063702 (2021)]. This approach allows a generalization of quantum optics and quantum electrodynamics based on an unknown mixing angle γ that is somewhat analogous to the Cabibbo angle or the Weinberg angle. The theory is equivalent to conventional quantum electrodynamics for γ=0, while it predicts a new form of inelastic photon scattering for γ≠0. Here we report the results of an optical scattering experiment that set an upper bound of |γ|≤1.93×10⁻⁴ rad at the 99% confidence level, provided that the particles created by the operator ˆψⱼ(xⱼ) have negligible mass. High-energy experiments would be required to test the theory if the mass of these particles is very large.8 pagesen-USMay be used only for educational or research purposes.UMBC Quantum Information GroupText