{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: The controversy about interference of photons.
{Author}: Bhatta VS;
{Journal}: Stud Hist Philos Sci
{Volume}: 106
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Aug 8
{Factor}: 1.379
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2024.06.003
{Abstract}: In the 1960s, the demonstration of interference effects using two laser-beams raised the question: can two photons interfere? Its plausibility contested Dirac's dictum, "Interference between two different photons never occurs". Disagreements about this conflict led to a controversy. This paper will chart the controversy's contour and show that it evolved over two phases. Subsequently, I investigate the reasons for its perpetuation. The controversy was initiated and fuelled by several misinterpretations of the dictum. I also argue that Dirac's dictum is not applicable to two photon interference as they belong to different contexts of interference. Recognising this resolves the controversy.