Index Key:  PHY078
Author:     econser
Subject:    Transverse spin of photon
Text:       I read somewhere that the photon has three spin states, but since 
it travels at the speed of light the t, the transverse state does not exist.  
Why is this?

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      Sam Bowen
Text:        A partial response...The photon only has the transverse 
polarization of the electric and magnetic fields.  If these are what are 
called circularly polarized (the electric vector spins either clockwise or 
counter-clockwise around the direction of travel) then the "spin" is along the 
direction of travel.  In this sense the transverse spin state of the photon 
does not exist.