Two photon physics. Personal recollection (1508.06581v2)

Abstract: The term two--photon processes is used for the reactions in which some system of particles is produced in collision of two photons, either real or virtual. In the study of these processes our main goal was to suggest approach, allowing to extract from the data information on proper two--photon process separating it from mechanism which responsible for the production of photons. Here I present my view for history of two--photon physics. I don't try to give complete review, concentrating mainly on works of our team (which cover essential part of the topic) and some colleagues. My citation is strongly incomplete. I cite here only papers which were essential in our understanding of the problems. The choice of presented details is the result of my discussions with Gleb Kotkin and Valery Serbo. 1. Prehistory. 2. Two photon processes at e^+e^- colliders. 3. Photon colliders. 4. Notes on physical program.