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arXiv:2609.20862 · Dynamics

Towards a Picture of the Natural World Derived from Relativity and Quantum Theory

Emilio Santos

Published Sep 9, 2026• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

I contend that physics should provide a coherent account of reality, in addition to being an efficient algorithm for the prediction of empirical results. This article offers pictures of reality derived from theories of modern physics. In particular, it is shown that Bose quantum fields may be interpreted as pure wave fields via the Weyl–Wigner representation, the most relevant result being the existence of a stochastic vacuum field corresponding to the quantum vacuum fluctuations of the standard, canonical, formulation of field theory. That field provides explanations for the particle (photons) behavior of the electromagnetic field. Also, a realistic interpretation is offered for interference experiments with actual particles, like atoms. The interpretation of classical general relativity is standard but emphasis is given to the principle of equivalence. Problems like spacetime singularities (black holes) and the empirical violation of Bell inequalities are touched on but slightly. Asides from these problems, the main incompleteness of the article is the absence of a realistic interpretation of Fermi fields.

DOI
10.3390/dynamics6030036

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I contend that physics should provide a coherent account of reality, in addition to being an efficient algorithm for the prediction of empirical results. This article offers pictures of reality derived from theories of modern physics. In particular, it is shown that Bose quantum fields may be interpreted as pure wave fields via the Weyl–Wigner representation, the most relevant result being the existence of a stochastic vacuum field corresponding to the quantum vacuum fluctuations of the standard, canonical, formulation of field theory. That field provides explanations for the particle (photons) behavior of the electromagnetic field. Also, a realistic interpretation is offered for interference experiments with actual particles, like atoms. The interpretation of classical general relativity is standard but emphasis is given to the principle of equivalence. Problems like spacetime singularities (black holes) and the empirical violation of Bell inequalities are touched on but slightly. Asides from these problems, the main incompleteness of the article is the absence of a realistic interpretation of Fermi fields.
Abstract I revisit the Wigner (or Weyl–Wigner, WW) representation of the quantum electromagnetic field. I show that, assuming that Fock states are just mathematical concepts devoid of physical reality, WW suggests a realistic interpretation which turns out to be (classical) Maxwell theory with the assumption that there is a random radiation filling space, the vacuum field. I elucidate why, in sharp contrast, non-relativistic quantum mechanics of particles does not admit a realistic interpretation via WW. I interpret experiments involving entangled light beams within WW, in particular optical tests of Bell inequalities. I show that WW provides clues in order to construct local models for those experiments. I give arguments why Bell definition of local realism is not general enough.
We characterize the electromagnetic vacuum as a stochastic field. Some consequences, like the particle behaviour of light, are studied. The stochastic approach is connected with the standard Hilbert space formalism via the Weyl transform. Several experiments involving spontaneous parametric down conversion are studied comparing Hilbert space and Weyl–Wigner formalisms. This allows an intuitive picture of entanglement to be obtained as a correlation between field fluctuations in distant places, involving the vacuum fields. The analysis shows that the Bell definition of local realism is not general enough, whence the reported violation of Bell inequalities does not refute local realism.
The quantum electromagnetic (EM) field is formulated in the Weyl–Wigner representation (WW), which is equivalent to the standard Hilbert space one (HS). In principle, it is possible to interpret within WW all experiments involving the EM field interacting with macroscopic bodies, the latter treated classically. In the WW formalism, the essential difference between classical electrodynamics and the quantum theory of the EM field is just the assumption that there is a random EM field-filling space, i.e., the existence of a zero-point field with a Gaussian distribution for the field amplitudes. I analyze a typical optical test of a Bell inequality. The model admits an interpretation compatible with local realism, modulo a number of assumptions assumed plausible.
Arguments are gived for the plausibility that quantum mechanics is a stochastic theory and that many quantum phenomena derive from the existence of a real noise consisting of vacuum fluctuations of all fundamental fields existing in nature. Planck's constant appears as the parameter fixing the scale of the fluctuations. Hints for an intuitive explanation are offered for some typical quantum features, like the uncertainty principle or the particle behaviour of fields. It is proposed that the recent discovery of dark energy in the universe is an argument for the reality of the vacuum fluctuations. A study is made of the compatibility of the model with the results of performed tests of Bell\'{}s inequalities.
Arguments are provided for the plausibility that quantum mechanics is a stochastic theory and that many quantum phenomena derive from the existence of a real noise consisting of vacuum fluctuations of the fields existing in nature. I revisit stochastic electrodynamics, a theory that studies classical systems of electrically charged particles immersed in a real electromagnetic zeropoint 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 introduce a calculational quantumlike method resting upon the commutator of stochastic processes. An intuitive explanation is offered for some typical quantum features, like the uncertainty principle, the entanglement and the fact that quantum noise looks as not dissipative.
Despite its successes, quantum mechanics (QM) has remained mysterious to all who have encountered it. Starting with Bohr and progressing into the present, the departure from intuitive, physical reality has widened. The connection between QM and reality is more than just a “philosophical” issue. It reveals that QM is not a correct or complete theory of the physical world and that inescapable internal inconsistencies and incongruities arise when attempts are made to treat it as physical as opposed to a purely mathematical “tool.” Some of these issues are discussed in a review by F. Laloe [Am. J. Phys. 69, 655 (2001)]. In an attempt to provide some physical insight into atomic problems and starting with the same essential physics as Bohr of e moving in the Coulombic field of the proton and the wave equation as modified by Schrodinger, a classical approach is explored that yields a remarkably accurate model and provides insight into physics on the atomic level. The proverbial view, deeply seated in the wave-particle duality notion, that there is no large-scale physical counterpart to the nature of the electron may not be correct. Physical laws and intuition may be restored when dealing with the wave equation and quantummechanical problems. Specifically, a theory of classical quantum mechanics (CQM) is derived from first principles that successfully applies physical laws on all scales. Rather than using the postulated Schrodinger boundary condition “Ψ → 0 as r → ∞,” which leads to a purely mathematical model of the electron, the constraint is based on experimental observation. Using Maxwell’s equations, the classical wave equation is solved with the constraint that the bound (n = 1)state electron cannot radiate energy. By further application of Maxwell’s equations to electromagnetic and gravitational fields at particle production, the Schwarzschild metric is derived from the classical wave equation, which modifies general relativity to include conservation of spacetime in addition to momentum and matter/energy. The result gives a natural relationship among Maxwell’s equations, special relativity, and general relativity. CQM holds over a scale of spacetime of 85 orders of magnitude — it correctly predicts the nature of the universe from the scale of the quarks to that of the cosmos. A review is given by G. Landvogt [Internat. J. Hydrogen Energy 28, 1155 (2003)].