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Platform: What physical attributes separate EM waves, of the enormous band of radio to visible to x-ray, from the high energy narrow band of gamma-ray? From radio to visible to x-ray, telescopes are designed based upon the optical imaging theory; which is an extension of the Huygens-Fresnel diffraction integral. Do we understand the physical properties of gamma rays that defy us to manipulate them similarly? One demonstrated unique property of gamma rays is that they can be converted to elementary particles (electron and positron pair); or a particle-antiparticle pair can be converted into gamma rays. Thus, EM waves and elementary particles, being inter-convertible; we cannot expect to understand the deeper nature of light without succeeding to find structural inter-relationship between photons and particles. This topic is directly relevant to develop a deeper understanding of the nature of light; which will, in turn, help our engineers to invent better optical instruments.

Dowling and Gea-Benacloche (1992) proved mathematically that "...under certain circumstances, it is possible to consistently interpret interference as the specular reflection of two electromagnetic waves off each other..." Combining experiment, model, and logic, we confirm this statement. Contrary to the supposition that electromagnetic waves/photons cannot interact, it is possible to interpret the results to indicate that identical out-of-phase waves and opposite polarity photons repel or, at least, cannot pass through each other. No energy is detected in the dark/null zones of wave interference. Because energy appears to be absent, the exchange of momentum through the null zone must redirect/repel light waves into bright zones. Our Zero-Slit Experiment (ZSX) provides diffraction-free interference in air between two portions of a divided laser beam. This experiment was initially an attempt to completely cancel a section of these two beams by recombining them in air when they are 180° out-of-phase. We have reduced interference patterns close to a double-bright zone (with 3 null zones), but no further. Within the limits of laser-beam spreading, we have studied the resulting interference patterns and compared them with models of collision between identical particles. It may be possible to distinguish light from other Bosons, if the model of opposite phases repelling is valid. An EM field-line model of the photon is presented to explain the interactions needed to produce momentum transfer.

Maxwell did not believe in photons. However, his equations lead to electro-magnetic field structures that are considered to be photonic by Quantum ElectroDynamics (QED). They are complete, relativistically correct, and unchallenged after nearly 150 years. However, even though his far-field solution has been considered as the basis for photons, as they stand and are interpreted, they are better fitted to the concept of virtual rather than to real photons. Comparison between staticcharge fields, near-field coupling, and photonic radiation will be made and the distinctions identified. The question of similarities in, and differences between, the two will be addressed. Implied assumptions in Feynman's "Lectures" could lead one to believe that he had provided a general classical electrodynamics proof that an orbital electron must radiate. While his derivation is correct, two of the conditions defined do not always apply in this case. As a result, the potential for misinterpretation of his proof (as he himself did earlier) for this particular case has some interesting implications. He did not make the distinction between radiation from a bound electron driven by an external alternating field and one falling in a nuclear potential. Similar failures lead to misinterpreting the differences between virtual and real photons.

We seek physical mechanisms underlying a model of the interaction of light with light (and with matter) by examining the process of photon creation. A model of the atomic orbitals and optical transitions is described considering a classical argument that does not presume the integer values of electron-orbital angular momentum proposed by Bohr. Assuming only the known properties of light (e.g., E γ = h ν and L γ = h/2 π ), the electron-orbital energies about a nucleus (including a ground state) are predicted and calculated in an intuitive (and mathematically simple) manner. This first-order model considers neither electron-spin nor relativistic effects. A ground state is predicted based on the reduced probability of coupling net energy from a driver into a lower-frequency oscillator. The long-term stability of the ground state is further explained in terms of angular-momentum requirements of the photon. A simple derivation for the radius and angular momentum of photons is provided. It is proposed that, when a collinearly-propagating photon density gets high enough, their fusion back into electromagnetic fields (spherical or plane wave) is a similar process to their formation, but in reverse. The similarities and differences will be described assuming a surface-tension-like mechanism necessary for the existence of photons.