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International Journal of Modern Physics E

The zero-point field and the emergence of the quantum

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

Published Sep 1, 2014• 13 citations
Publisher

Abstract

A new way of arriving at the quantum formalism is presented, based on the recognition of the reality of the random zero-point radiation field (ZPF). The quantization of both matter and radiation field is shown to emerge as a result of the permanent interaction of matter with the ZPF. Quantum mechanics (QM) is obtained both in its Schrödinger and its Heisenberg version, under certain well-defined conditions and approximations. The theory provides for an explanation of the origin of entanglement. Further, the same physical elements and hypotheses allow us to cross the doorway and go beyond QM, to the realm of (nonrelativistic) quantum electrodynamics (QED).

DOI
10.1142/s0218301314500499

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A new way of arriving at the quantum formalism is presented, based on the recognition of the reality of the random zero-point radiation field (ZPF). The quantization of both matter and radiation field is shown to emerge as a result of the permanent interaction of matter with the ZPF. Quantum mechanics (QM) is obtained both in its Schrödinger and its Heisenberg version, under certain well-defined conditions and approximations. The theory provides for an explanation of the origin of entanglement. Further, the same physical elements and hypotheses allow us to cross the doorway and go beyond QM, to the realm of (nonrelativistic) quantum electrodynamics (QED).
Quantization is derived as an emergent phenomenon, resulting from the permanent interaction between matter and radiation field. The starting point for the derivation is the existence of the (continuous) random zero-point electromagnetic radiation field (zpf) of mean energy ℏω/2 per normal mode. A thermodynamic and statistical analysis leads unequivocally (and without quantum assumptions) to the Planck distribution law for the complete field in equilibrium. The problem of the quantization of matter is then approached from the same perspective: A detailed study of the dynamics of a particle embedded in the zpf shows that when the entire system eventually reaches a situation of energy balance thanks to the combined effect of diffusion and dissipation, the particle has acquired its characteristic quantum properties. To obtain the quantum-mechanical description it has been necessary to do a partial averaging and take the radiationless approximation. Consideration of the neglected radiative terms allows to establish contact with nonrelativistic quantum electrodynamics and derive the correct formulas for the first-order radiative corrections. Quantum mechanics emerges therefore as a partial, approximate and time-asymptotic description of a phenomenon that in its original (pre-quantum) description is entirely local and causal.
Are we to accept quantization as a fundamental property of nature, the origin of which does not require or admit further investigation? To get an insight into this question we consider atomic systems as open systems, since they are by necessity in contact with the electromagnetic radiation field. This includes not only photonic radiation, but, more importantly for our purposes, the random zero-point or nonthermal radiation that pervades the Universe. The Heisenberg inequalities, atomic stability and the existence of discrete solutions are explained as a result of the permanent action of this field upon matter and the balance between mean absorbed and emitted powers in the equilibrium regime. A detailed study carried out along the years has led to the usual quantum-mechanical formalism as a powerful and revealing statistical description of the behavior of matter in the radiationless approximation, as well as to the radiative corrections of nonrelativistic QED. The theory presented gives thus a response to the question posed above, within a local, realist and objective framework: quantization appears as an emergent phenomenon due to the matter-field interaction.
Abstract This paper provides elements in support of the random zero-point radiation field (zpf) as an essential ontological ingredient needed to explain distinctive properties of quantum-mechanical systems. We show that when an otherwise classical particle is connected to the zpf, a drastic, qualitative change in the dynamics takes place, leading eventually to the quantum dynamics. In particular, we demonstrate that in parallel with the evolution of the particle canonical variables into quantum operators satisfying the basic commutator \left[\hat{x},\hat{p}\right]=i\hbar, also the field canonical variables are transformed, giving rise to the corresponding creation and annihilation operators \hat{a}^{\dagger},\hat{a}, satisfying \left[\hat{a},\hat{a}^{\dagger}\right]=1. This allows for an explanation of quantum features such as quantum fluctuations, stationary states and transitions, and establishes a natural contact with (nonrelativistic) quantum electrodynamics.
This paper provides elements in support of the random zero-point radiation field (zpf) as an essential ontological ingredient needed to explain distinctive properties of quantum-mechanical systems. We show that when an otherwise classical particle is connected to the zpf, a drastic, qualitative change in the dynamics takes place, leading eventually to the quantum dynamics. In particular, we demonstrate that in parallel with the evolution of the canonical variables of the particle into quantum operators satisfying the basic commutator x^,p^=iℏ, also the field canonical variables are transformed, giving rise to the corresponding creation and annihilation operators a^†,a^, satisfying a^,a^†=1. This allows for an explanation of quantum features such as quantum fluctuations, stationary states and transitions, and establishes a natural contact with (nonrelativistic) quantum electrodynamics.
Preface.- Quantum Mechanics: questions.- The phenomenological stochastic approach: a short route to quantum mechanics.- The Planck distribution, a necessary consequence of the fluctuating zero-point field.- The long journey to the Schrodinger equation.- The road to Heisenberg quantum mechanics.- Beyond the Schrodinger equation.- Disentangling quantum entanglement.- Causality, locality and entanglement in quantum mechanics.- The zero-point field waves (and) matter.- Quantum mechanics: some answers.- References.- Suggested literature.- Index.
We study the behavior of the atomic matter immersed in a zero-point radiation field, which is taken as the source of the endless stochastic motion of electrons. The starting point is a statistical phase-space equation for a particle in interaction with the field. Under certain natural approximations, the system reaches a stationary condition; the corresponding reduced description obtained in configuration space is just the Schrodinger quantum mechanics. Quantum nonlocality is revisited from this point of view and is shown to appear as an artifact of the reduced description. The theory presented also serves to explain why usual quantum mechanics is not amenable to a phase-space formulation.