The conventional conceptual framework for fundamental physics is built on a tacit construct: the premise of particles being zero-dimensional (0-D) points. There has never been a viable alternative to this, and the Bell-type inequalities preclude large classes of alternative designs with hidden variables. Although they do not absolutely preclude the possibility of particles having non-local hidden-variable (NLHV) designs, there is the additional difficulty of finding a solution within the very small freedom permitted by the constraints. Nonetheless we show that it is possible to find such a design. We propose the internal structures and discrete field structures of this ‘cordus’ particule, and the causal relationships for the behaviour of the system. This design is shown to have high conceptual fitness to explain a variety of fundamental phenomena in a logically consistent way. It provides insights into the fundamentals of matter, force, energy and time. It offers novel explanations to long-standing enigmas and suggests that a reconceptualisation of fundamental physics is feasible. We thus show that the 0-D point premise can be challenged, and is likely to have profound consequences for physics when it falls.
The conventional conceptual framework for fundamental physics is built on a tacit construct: the premise of particles being zero-dimensional (0-D) points. There has never been a viable alternative to this, and the Bell-type inequalities preclude large classes of alternative designs with hidden variables. Although they do not absolutely preclude the possibility of particles having non-local hidden-variable (NLHV) designs, there is the additional difficulty of finding a solution within the very small freedom permitted by the constraints. Nonetheless we show that it is possible to find such a design. We propose the internal structures and discrete field structures of this ‘cordus’ particule, and the causal relationships for the behaviour of the system. This design is shown to have high conceptual fitness to explain a variety of fundamental phenomena in a logically consistent way. It provides insights into the fundamentals of matter, force, energy and time. It offers novel explanations to long-standing enigmas and suggests that a reconceptualisation of fundamental physics is feasible. We thus show that the 0-D point premise can be challenged, and is likely to have profound consequences for physics when it falls.
The purpose of this paper was to look for non-local designs of particles. We show that the Bell-type theorems are not proof against a hidden variable solution, by presenting such a model complete with the first level of internal functional structures. A design method was used to infer the internal structures that would be necessary to explain the observed phenomena of entanglement. The result is a novel model called the cordus particule, which is proposed to have two reactive ends that are separated in space. The model proposes the internal structures and provides mechanisms showing how the external behaviour arises from those structures. A mechanism is given for superluminal entanglement. The model predicts outcomes from Bell-type tests that are consistent with empirical results. This shows that it is conceptually possible to create hidden-variable solutions that are based on physical sub-structures. We suggest that the better interpretation of entanglement and the Bell-type theorems is that both local realism and the zero-dimensional point construct are false. The cordus model produces a new concept for the mechanism for locality and the extents thereof, and implies the need to abandon strict locality and local realism, at least at the deeper level. Nonetheless an approximate retention of both locality and realism is provided. The results suggest it is worthwhile questioning the established ideas of physics regarding the composition of particules, and we particularly identify the zero-dimensional point construct as ripe for revision.
Problem: Superposition and entanglement are coherent effects, which can be quantified by quantum mechanics (QM), but lack descriptive explanations. They are typically analysed with inequality methods, and the results favour QM and reject physical realism and hidden-variable solutions. In particular, Colbeck & Renner (2011) showed that no extension of quantum theory can exist with better predictive power than quantum mechanics itself. Purpose: The purpose here is to critically evaluate from a conceptual and philosophical perspective the ontological underpinnings of the inequality approach. The current work is speculative in nature as it is based on a conjectured non-local hidden-variable (NLHV) design for particles, and does not yet have a mathematical formalism. Nonetheless this is worth attempting for the philosophical questions it poses about the nature of reality, and the pointers it gives to possible future directions in fundamental physics. Findings: The premises of the C & R proof (that particles are points, that locality exists, that quantum theory is correct) are inconsistent, hence invalidate its conclusion. We also show that superposition and entanglement may be qualitatively explained if particles were to have the internal structure proposed by the Cordus NLHV theory. Originality: The ability to explain superposition and entanglement conceptually in terms of physical realism is relevant because it rebuts the claim that it is impossible that such a hidden-variable theory could exist. This is significant because previously it has been believed that these phenomena are explainable by QM only.
There are several integration problems of fundamental physics that still lack coherent solutions, the case in point being wave-particle duality. While empiricism and mathematical modelling have served physics well, they have not yet been able to achieve integrated causal models. Conventional theories and approaches have only provided partial solutions, and it is possible that a more radical reconceptualisation of fundamental physics may be required. This work comes at the issue from a totally different approach: it applies design thinking to the problem. The result is the cordus conjecture, which proposes that the photon, and indeed every matter ‘particle’, has an internal structure comprising a 'cordus': two reactive ends that each behave like a particle, with a fibril joining them. The reactive ends are proposed to be a small finite distance apart, and energised [typically in turn] at a frequency. When energised they emit a transient force pulse along a line called a hyperfine fibril [hyff], and this makes up the field. This concept is used to explain the path dilemmas of the single photon in the double-slit device, and the wave behaviour of light including the formation of fringes by single photons and beams of light. In addition it provides a tangible explanation for frequency. It also yields new quantitative derivations for several basic optical effects: critical angle, Snell’s law, and Brewster’s angle. Thus the cordus structure offers an alternative conceptual explanation for wave-particle duality.
PROBLEM- There are many integration problems of fundamental physics that still lack ontologically coherent solutions. NEED- There is a need to find a new theory of physics with wide-ranging logical consistency. The idea that particles could have internal structure has long been a consideration in the development of theories of physics, as evidenced in the EPR criticism (Einstein, Podolsky, & Rosen, 1935). DIFFICULTY- However Local hidden-variable solutions are excluded by the Bell-type inequalities and by the empirical evidence of entanglement. The non-local hidden-variable (NLHV) sector is not entirely excluded on theoretical grounds. However, if any solution existed it would have to be counterintuitive as all the obvious candidates have been excluded [4]. Unfortunately the hidden-variable sector has proved incapable of offering suitable solutions. APPROACH- Conceptual design methods were borrowed from engineering design and applied to create an initial conjectural solution for the double-slit device. This was then validated against multiple other phenomena. RESULTS- This paper offers a candidate solution, in the form of a new theory of physics wherein particles have internal structures. This Cordus theory proposes a specific structure for particles, for both the structure internal to the particle and the nature of the external discrete field emissions. FINDINGS- It also has good external construct validity, as it: explains path dilemmas in interferometers; recovers basic laws of optics from first principles (reflection, refraction, Brewster’s angle); identifies the causes of contextual measurement; explains the transition from coherence to discoherence; explains pair-production and annihilation; offers a solution to the asymmetrical baryogenesis and leptogenesis problems; explains time dilation; conceptually unifies the electro-magneto-gravitational forces with the strong interaction; explains the selective spin attributes of the neutrino species; predicts the internal structure of the atomic nucleus and explains the stability, instability and non-existence of the table of nuclides from Hydrogen to Neon. ORGINALITY- The Cordus theory is a novel conceptual framework for fundamental physics. It shows that a specific structure of particles has excellent explanatory power for many phenomena. The strengths of the theory are: Explanatory (ontological) power; Coherent solution across multiple phenomena; Offers candidate solutions to otherwise intractable problems. IMPLICATIONS- The Bell-type inequalities are falsified. Physical realism is re-asserted. The stochastic nature of the wave-function is subsumed in a deeper explanation. The theory is not inimical to quantum mechanics, which it reinterprets as a stochastic approximation of a deeper determinism. The new theory has philosophical implications because it shows that it is possible to conceive of a solution for fundamental physics that is grounded in physical realism. The theory therefore rebuts the idea that the deeper level of physics is purely mathematical, and it rejects the many-worlds interpretation.
There are several integration problems of fundamental physics that still lack coherent solutions, the case in point being wave-particle duality. While empiricism and mathematical modelling have served physics well, they have not yet been able to achieve integrated causal models. Conventional theories and approaches have only provided partial solutions, and it is possible that a more radical reconceptualisation of fundamental physics may be required. This work comes at the issue from a totally different approach: it applies design thinking to the problem. The result is the cordus conjecture, which proposes that the photon, and indeed every matter ‘particle’, has an internal structure comprising a 'cordus': two reactive ends that each behave like a particle, with a fibril joining them. The reactive ends are proposed to be a small finite distance apart, and energised [typically in turn] at a frequency. When energised they emit a transient force pulse along a line called a hyperfine fibril [hyff], and this makes up the field. This concept is used to explain the path dilemmas of the single photon in the double-slit device, and the wave behaviour of light including the formation of fringes by single photons and beams of light. In addition it provides a tangible explanation for frequency. It also yields new quantitative derivations for several basic optical effects: critical angle, Snell’s law, and Brewster’s angle. Thus the cordus structure offers an alternative conceptual explanation for wave-particle duality.
Quantum mechanics is the dominant conceptual foundation for fundamental physics. Nonetheless there are effects that it does not explain, or explains only by reference to metaphysical effects. While many have wondered whether there could be a more-complete explanation, the solution has been elusive. Cordus suggests that the necessary deeper mechanics is only accessible by abandoning the premise of �particle�, and shows how to achieve this. The resulting Cordus mechanics provides a new way of thinking and a radically different conceptual foundation. This paper primarily contrasts Quantum and Cordus mechanics. In the process, Cordus re-conceptualises Heisenberg�s uncertainty principle. It also provides an explanation for the paradox of Schr�dinger�s Cat, and shows it to be based on unrealistic and unattainable premises.