Can light make Matter?

[TheOctopus]

Can light make matter?


According to Einstein’s famous equation (E=mc^2), mass & energy are interchangeable. Nuclear fusion releases energy and light/heat. In fusion, the total mass of the new nucleus is lower than that of the two that formed it; the "missing" mass is given off as energy. So, mass can turn into light.

But is the reverse process possible -- can light make matter?

Collide photons together and you should get matter/antimatter particle pairs, right? We teach it to undergrads and it sounds like a plausible idea, sort of like "photon fusion"...but it turns out to be surprisingly hard to prove. What you might not know is the reverse effect -- converting light into matter -- was only recently confirmed a few months ago!

Took 116 years to finally prove E=MC^2

[TheOctopus]

Also there is a Nobel Prize waiting for anyone that can explain the excess Matter that was created at the moment of the Big Bang (theory). Matter and Antimatter are created in pairs as per the video above and everything we know so far... So how was our Universe created from excess Matter? This is one of those questions that will perhaps take even longer than 116 years to resolve...

[Puma Cat]

"Can light make Matter?"

Sure, why not? Equations work both ways.

[TheOctopus]

"Can light make Matter?"

Sure, why not? Equations work both ways.

Nonetheless, that equation required proof and it took 116 years...

[ICUToo]

Definitely true, light can make matter (if you will allow light=electromagnetic radiation).
In the early universe, matter CONDENSED out of pure energy- magic stuff!
And in the high-power "atom-smashers", they do the same thing- new particles are formed from the intense radiation that is emitted from the experiment.
Excellent fun

[TheOctopus]

Definitely true, light can make matter (if you will allow light=electromagnetic radiation).
In the early universe, matter CONDENSED out of pure energy- magic stuff!
And in the high-power "atom-smashers", they do the same thing- new particles are formed from the intense radiation that is emitted from the experiment.
Excellent fun

I am an agnostic but "Let there be light" from Genesis 1:3 of the Torah sure seems to fit the concept of creation then.