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arXiv:1312.4007

On Real and Virtual Photons in the Davies Theory of Time-Symmetric Quantum Electrodynamics

R. E. Kastner

Published Dec 14, 2013• 3 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

This paper explores the distinction between virtual and real photons in the context of the Davies quantum relativistic extension of the Wheeler-Feynman classical electromagnetic theory. An alternative way of understanding this distinction is proposed, based on the transactional model.
DOI
10.48550/arxiv.1312.4007

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This essay intends to present a novel approach to the concept of "transaction" in quantum physics. Breaking with Cramer's original theory, the transaction is not connected to the simultaneously retarded and advanced spacetime propagation of classical fields, as in the spirit of Wheeler-Feynman electrodynamics. Instead, the transaction is seen as an archetypal structure intrinsic within the quantum formalism. The present approach is advantageous in that, while preserving the essential point of Cramer's theory, is also fully consistent with the standard quantum formalism. In particular, it has the advantage of avoiding the introduction of elements which are completely extraneous to quantum formalism (such as the propagation of real physical waves in four-dimensional spacetime, the phase difference between offer and confirmation waves which is necessary for the elimination of "tails", the echoing mechanism, etc.)
The classical Wheeler-Feynman absorber theory with a postulate of Lorentz-invariant zero-point electromagnetic radiation is proposed to explain quantum phenomena in a similar manner to that of stochastic electrodynamics. For this purpose, Cramer's model of a 'Minimum emitter-absorber transaction' is extended to the case where zero-point radiation exists, in the context of the classical Wheeler-Feynman theory. The Einstein-Podolski-Rosen paradox and the quantum levels of a charged simple harmonic oscillator are derived from the theory. It is shown that the condition for a transaction plays an essential role, such as in the radiative balance of a simple harmonic oscillator.
This paper introduces a conceptually refined, relativistically invariant 4-symmetrical transactional model of radiative processes in quantum optics. The proposed framework completely eliminates the concept of a free photon as an independent energy-carrying particle during flight and resolves the paradox of the non-local stochastic collapse of the wave function. Within this model, electromagnetic interaction is formulated as a continuous boundary value problem in four-dimensional Minkowski space, directly developing the principles of Wheeler-Feynman direct interparticle action.
A quantised version of Wheeler-Feynman time symmetric absorber theory sheds new light on an old problem at present experiencing a revival of interest. Some photon correlation experiments, when interpreted in terms of quantum electrodynamics, lead to conceptual difficulties of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen type. The results imply that one has to abandon either the concept of strict causality, which would make conventional quantum electrodynamics self-inconsistent, or the concept of an objective reality independent of the observer, which has far-reaching philosophical consequences. In terms of absorber theory, on the other thand, there is no need to abandon objective reality and, in fact, such an experiment is directly interpretable as an example of the manifestation of the future on the past, which is the important distinguishing feature of absorber theory.
Abstract Virtual particles are expected to occur in microscopic processes, as they are introduced, for instance, by Feynman in quantum electrodynamics as photons performing in an unknown way in the interaction between two electrons. This note describes macroscopic virtual particles as they appear in classical evanescent modes and in quantum mechanical tunnelling particles. Remarkably, these large virtual particles are present in wave mechanics of elastic, electromagnetic, and Schrödinger fields.