The light front densities of momentum, angular momentum, and intrinsic pressure are calculated for the photon, both in the free case and at leading order in quantum electrodynamics. In the latter case, we moreover decompose the form factors into photon and electron contributions. Circularly and linearly polarized photons are both considered, with the latter containing significant azimuthal modulations in both the momentum density and in intrinsic stresses. We find that the $D$-term of the photon is positive instead of negative, and accordingly the intrinsic radial pressure of the photon is negative. Despite this, the radiation pressure exerted by the photon is positive. We illustrate through explicit calculation how the intrinsic pressure associated with the $D$-term and the radiation pressure exerted by the photon are different quantities.

• Received 23 August 2022
• Accepted 16 November 2022

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.106.114014

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Published by the American Physical Society