Natural Order and Science

[little_monkey]

Yes, of course the photons are absorbed by the electrons in your eyes, but if you understand the definition, those electrons in your eyes are part of the detector. So by definition, those electrons are not VIRTUAL. You think you understand the basic definition, but you don't.

Oh, so your definition of virtual particles is / contains that they don't interact with the detector? Can you point me to a textbook source or so where this definition is introduced?

  You keep repeating the same mistake. I'm not saying that they don't interact, I'm saying those photons who do interact with you, the detector,  via the electrons in your eyes are not called VIRTUAL. These are the observable ones. So last time,

(1) Particles interacting between themselves through the exchange of photons: those photons are VIRTUAL. One particle emitted the photon, the other particle absorbed it. That photon never passed through your eyes, or any other detector. They are not observable, you cannot see them, they are called VIRTUAL.

(2) Photons interacting with any part of a detector: your eyes, your voltmeter, your Geiger counter, whatever, these are observable, hence they are NOT virtual. 

I will gladly learn something new about quantum field theory from you, but your pompous tone is a bit off-putting. For example, you suddenly elaborated on an entire (and irrelevant) course outline on the topic when the discussion was about what we consider virtual particles. To what end, intimidate me? If you can do what you claim you can do, you have no need for this kind of posturing. Show, don't tell.

I have no need to intimidate you. My first posting in this thread was addressed to all who were posting in this thread. That's why I started that post with: "For the record..." If you took that as a personal attack, that is your interpretation, I had no such intention. If I failed to convince you on the strength of my arguments, then that's my fault. But I sense from this post from you that you seem to be not in any mood to dialogue. So I will terminate this conversation.