If a photon wavelength (e.g., yellow) is isolated from the other wavelengths that the sun emits (once it gets to earth), can that particular particle/photon be distorted slightly into a wavelength that is shorter (e.g., perceived as green)?
If yes; please explain.
If no; please explain.
Thank you!
I transform the wavelengths of light everyday in the laboratory; so do you if you have a green laser pointer. For how a green laser pointer works, see http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/laserpic/glpdpics.htm
This is called non-linear optics, and requires (a) higher than normal intensity of light, and (b) a properly cut crystal that meets specific structural requirements.
So if you want to convert yellow light to green light you will have to work harder, because the simplest processes change the wavelength by a factor of 2: double it, generating two new photons from each one destroyed, or divide it in half, which requires two photons to be destroyed while creating one replacement with double the energy (half the wavelength).
This was first demonstrated by Peter Franken, et al, at the University of Michigan, in 1961. The paper is discussed here, with references: http://www.laserfocusworld.com/articles/2011/09/sprc-symposium-2011.html
The concept of being able to change one frequency (it's a bit more correct in this context to use frequency rather than wavelength) into another is a question of linearity. Generally, the equations that govern light/optics (Maxwell's equations) are considered linear. This has the implication that any light you start with at one frequency will stay at the same frequency forever.
To change frequencies, it's necessary for light to interact non linearly. The short of it is that light will generally only act nonlinearly in materials, and only if your light has sufficient power. This is usually seen only in certain crystals, but can happen in any material if your light is sufficiently strong.
Interacting photons (Compton scattering) with electrons at rest is a non linear process that decreases light frequency (yellow to red). Also , reflecting photons in a finite mass mirror decreases the frequency of photons as some momentum is transferred to mirror. So it is no possible for a cold plasma or metal to increase the frequency of photons in order to promote them from yellow to green.
