Planck’s Second Quantum Theory

M. A. B. Whitaker

According to Planck's first theory (1900) the best expression for the average energy of an harmonic oscillator at high temperature is not kT but kT- 1 / 2 h nu . A second theory of Planck (1911) restores the expression kT, and also predicts zero-point energy. A discussion is given in terms of the correspondence principle, which, it is stressed, is active, rather than passive, in nature. Planck's second theory is then discussed in more detail, including the use made of it by Bohr (1918), both in the construction of his atomic theory, and in his development of the correspondence principle itself.

H. Capellmann

YiJing Yan, Feng Shuang, Rui‐Xue Xu +4 more

By using a rather simple algebraic approach, we revisit and further bridge between two most commonly used quantum dissipation theories, the Bloch–Redfield theory and a class of Fokker–Planck equations. The nature of the common approximation scheme involving in these two theories is analyzed in detail. While the Bloch–Redfield theory satisfies the detailed-balance relation, we also construct a class of Fokker–Planck equations that satisfy the detailed-balance relation up to the second moments in phase-space. Developed is also a generalized Fokker–Planck equation that preserves the general positivity of the reduced density operator. Both T1-relaxation and pure-T2 dephasing are considered, and their temperature dependence is shown to be very different. Provided is also an analogy between the quantum pure-T2 dephasing and the classical heat transport.

Juliana H. J. Brooks

Re-examination of the work of Max Karl Planck has revealed hidden variables in his famous quantum work, consistent with Einstein's famous sentiment that quantum mechanics is incomplete due to the existence of "hidden variables". The recent discovery of these previously hidden variables, which have been missing from the foundational equations of quantum theory for more than one hundred years, has important implications for all the sciences as well as for understanding the interactions of electromagnetic radiation with matter. Planck's quantum formula, E = hν, is missing the variable for measurement time. Planck had included the missing time variable in his earlier electromagnetic work, but omitted it in his famous work that sparked the quantum revolution. Restoration of measurement time to Planck's quantum formula produces the more complete, E = h~ ν t. The numerical value Planck calculated for his action constant "h" takes on new meaning as an energy constant "h~" for light. Planck's energy constant is the mean energy of a single oscillation of light, namely 6.626 X 10-34 J/oscillation. The mean oscillation energy of light is constant, and does not vary with frequency or wavelength. The photon, as historically defined, is a time dependent packet of energy, based on the arbitrary measurement time of one second. An arbitrary, one second increment of energy cannot be a truly indivisible and elementary particle of nature. Omission of the time variable from Planck's quantum formula contributed to numerous paradoxes in quantum mechanics, such as uncertainty relating to formulations involving time, wave-particle duality, the need for normalization of wave functions, lack of dimensions for the fine structure constant, and irreconcilability of quantum mechanics and general relativity (Einstein's gravitational theory). Many of these paradoxes are simplified or eliminated altogether with a re-interpretation of quantum mechanics with Planck's hidden time variable and energy constant.