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arXiv:2002.08263 · Frontiers in Physics

Connecting Two Stochastic Theories That Lead to Quantum Mechanics

Luis de la Peña, Ana Marı́a Cetto, Andrea Valdés-Hernández

Published May 12, 2020• 14 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

The connection is established between two theories that have developed independently with the aim to describe quantum mechanics as a stochastic process, namely stochastic quantum mechanics (sqm) and stochastic electrodynamics (sed). Important commonalities and complementarities between the two theories are identified, notwithstanding their dissimilar origins and approaches. Further, the dynamical equation of sqm is completed with the radiation terms that are an integral element in sed. The central problem of the transition to the quantum dynamics is addressed, pointing to the key role of diffusion in the emergence of quantization.

DOI
10.3389/fphy.2020.00162

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The connection is established between two theories that have developed independently with the aim to describe quantum mechanics as a stochastic process, namely stochastic quantum mechanics (sqm) and stochastic electrodynamics (sed). Important commonalities and complementarities between the two theories are identified, notwithstanding their dissimilar origins and approaches. Further, the dynamical equation of sqm is completed with the radiation terms that are an integral element in sed. The central problem of the transition to the quantum dynamics is addressed, pointing to the key role of diffusion in the emergence of quantization.
I propose that quantum mechanics is a stochastic theory and quantum phenomena derive from the existence of real vacuum stochastic fields filling space. I revisit stochastic electrodynamics (SED), a theory that studies classical systems of electrically charged particles immersed in an electromagnetic (zeropoint) radiation field with spectral density proportional to the cube of the frequency, Planck's constant appearing as the parameter fixing the scale. Asides from briefly reviewing known results, I make a detailed comparison between SED and quantum mechanics. Both theories make the same predictions when the stochastic equations of motion are of first order in Planck constant, but not in general. I propose that SED provides a clue for a realistic interpretation of quantum theory.
During the last decades there has been a relatively extensive attempt to develop the theory of stochastic electrodynamics (SED) with a view to establishing it as the foundation for quantum mechanics. The theory had several important successes, but failed when applied to the study of particles subject to nonlinear forces. An analysis of the failure showed that its reasons are not to be ascribed to the principles of SED, but to the methods used to construct the theory, particularly the use of a Fokker-Planck approximation and perturbation theory. A new, non perturbative approach has been developed, called linear stochastic electrodynamics (LSED), of which a clean form is presented here. After introducing the fundamentals of SED, we discuss in detail the principles on which LSED is constructed. We pay attention to the fundamental issue of the mechanism that leads to the quantum behaviour of field and matter, and demonstrate that indeed LSED is a natural way to the quantum formalism by demanding its solutions to comply with a limited number of principles, each one with a clear physical meaning. As a further application of the principles of LSED we derive also the Planck distribution. In a final section we revisit some of the most tantalizing quandaries of quantum mechanics from the point of view offered by the present theory, and show that it offers a clear physical answer to them.
Preface. Part I: Prelude. 1. Quantum mechanics and the real world. 2. Quantum mechanics as a stochastic theory. 3. Elements of electrodynamics. Part II: Theme. 4. The zeropoint radiation field. 5. The equilibrium radiation field. 6. Environmental effects through the zero-point field. 7. The harmonic oscillator. 8. Quantum properties of other simple systems. 9. Breakdown of detailed energy balance. Part III: Coda. 10. Linear stochastic electrodynamics. 11. Radiative corrections in linear SED. 12. The wave properties of matter. 13. Stochastic optics. 14. Outlook and some corollaries. Bibliography. Index.
In this paper we explore the mathematical and epistemological connections between the stochastic derivation of the Schr\"odinger equation and the one proposed by ourselves in previous papers. It will be shown that these connections are accomplished by means of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, to which we may unambiguously relate the symbols and physical references of both approaches. As a by-product of our investigation, it will be possible to interpret the time-energy dispersion relation on sounder grounds. It will also be possible to discuss the superposition principle and to interpret it on a quite simple basis. The origin of the stochasticity and its relation to stability will be also addressed and the bridge to an axiomatic formulation of stochastic electrodynamics will be constructed.