[dr_dshiv]

So, can photons interact and produce matter without particles to interact with?

[BizarroLand]

One of the consequences of E=MC^2 is that there is a strong implication that energy can be converted directly into energy and vice versa.

Photons, although mass-less, have energy and can therefore be converted into matter under some circumstances.

[adamc]

I think you mean "directly into matter".

[BizarroLand]

Yes. Thank you!

Apparently my well intentioned ramblings can be directly converted into brain farts.

[api]

I’ve always understood photons as being “stuff” in it’s all energy no mass state.

What is “stuff” as all matter no energy?

[BizarroLand]

Probably any matter at absolute 0 would qualify? I think otherwise all mass has some excess of energy in it, I could be wrong.

Alternatively, possibly dark matter would qualify, although I am not sure either as we haven't even proven that it exists.

[BizarroLand]

Wait, no, I was wrong. Matter and Energy are the same thing. Only nothing has no energy or matter.