What is a wave packet in relation to photons?

A wave packet refers to a localized group of waves, and this concept is particularly relevant in the context of photons in quantum mechanics. Instead of thinking of photons as isolated particles or as continuous waves, a wave packet effectively represents a collection of waves that are superimposed together, which allows them to propagate through space while maintaining certain localized properties.

This phenomenon captures the behavior of light more accurately, particularly when considering how photons interact with matter or how they may produce quantized effects. The wave packet model helps in understanding how photons can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like characteristics, which is a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics. Thus, this understanding connects to the wave-particle duality concept, revealing how localized packets of light can be observed as distinct particles under certain conditions, yet still exhibit wave-like properties within their spatial extent.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of a wave packet in relation to photons. A continuous wave refers to an unbroken wave pattern rather than a localized group. A type of lens focuses light but does not describe the behavior of photons in terms of wave packets. A measurement of light intensity does not convey the behavior and properties of the photon itself, but rather quantifies how much light is present.