In quantum electrodynamics (QED), the theory that describes the electromagnetic interaction, the electron field and the photon field are distinct fields. QED treats electrons as excitations of the electron field and photons as excitations of the photon field.
The electron field represents the quantum field associated with electrons, while the photon field represents the quantum field associated with photons. These fields are considered fundamental fields in QED, and they have different properties and behaviors.
The electron field follows fermionic statistics and obeys the principles of quantum mechanics for fermions. It describes the behavior of electrons, their antiparticles (positrons), and their interactions with other particles and fields.
On the other hand, the photon field follows bosonic statistics and obeys the principles of quantum mechanics for bosons. It describes the behavior of photons, which are the quanta of electromagnetic radiation, and their interactions with charged particles.
In QED, the electron and photon fields interact through a coupling term in the theory. This interaction term allows for processes such as electron-photon scattering, where electrons and photons can exchange energy and momentum.
So, while the electron field and the photon field are distinct in QED, they are connected through their interactions, allowing for the description of phenomena involving the interaction of electrons and photons, such as the scattering or emission of photons by electrons.