Light and Quantum Mechanics

Ulrich Mohrhoff

Richard M. Sillitto

Richard A. Hutchin

Quantum mechanics is a probabilistic theory of the universe suggestive of a mean value theory similar to thermodynamics prior to the introduction of the atomic theory. If QM will follow a similar path to thermodynamics, then a local deterministic theory must be developed which matches QM predictions. There have been four tough barriers to a local theory of light, of which Bell’s Theorem has been considered the ultimate barrier. The other three barriers are explaining spontaneous emission, the reflection of a small fraction of light at a dielectric interface and the splitting action of a polarizer on polarized light (Malus’ Law). The challenge is that in a local theory of light, everything must have a specific cause and effect. There can be nothing spontaneous or hidden. Local solutions to all four of these barriers are presented in this paper, integrating results from two previous papers and adding the solution paths to the third and fourth barriers as well, which are nearly identical. A previous paper [1] used results from Einstein’s famous 1917 paper on stimulated emission to provide a deterministic local model for spontaneous emission. A second paper [2] showed that QM predictions in tests of Bell’s theorem could be matched with a local model by modifying the definition of entanglement in a manner invisible to quantum mechanics. This paper summarizes and extends those two results and then presents a deterministic model of reflection from a dielectric interface and transmission of polarized light through a polarizer that both match quantum mechanics. As the framework of a local theory of light emerges, it is not surprising that we find corners of physics where small disagreements with quantum mechanics are predicted. A new Bell type test is described in this paper which can distinguish the local from the nonlocal theory, giving predictions that must disagree slightly but significantly with quantum mechanics. If such experiments are proven to disagree with quantum mechanics, then the door to a local theory of light will be opened.

Ángel S. Sanz, Salvador Miret-Artés

David J. Griffiths

Unlike special relativity, quantum mechanics was not the inspired product of one mind. It developed, in fits and starts, over a period of 25 years (1900–1925), and many cooks stirred the broth. Even now, a century later, quantum mechanics raises profound conceptual questions. Every competent physicist can “do” quantum mechanics, and the predictions it makes are in spectacularly good agreement with experimental results; there can be little doubt that quantum mechanics is “right.” On the other hand, as Richard Feynman once remarked, “nobody understands quantum mechanics.” I'll tell the story in two parts. First the history (how the essential pieces of the puzzle were assembled), and then the implications (what the finished picture has to say about our world). Photons Like relativity, quantum mechanics began with the study of light. In both cases, this historical association is misleading. Relativity, really, has nothing to do with light – to be sure, it involves that magic speed limit, c , and of course the most familiar thing that travels at speed c is light. So light is a convenient vehicle for introducing the subject. But it is perfectly possible to imagine a universe in which there is no such thing as light, and yet relativity might still be valid. Quantum mechanics, too, starts with light – in this case the “quantum” of light (the photon). But, as it turns out, this is just one rather specialized example of much more general principles – in fact, a rather bad example, because photons are by their nature relativistic (they travel at the speed of light), and it would be more natural to begin with the quantum mechanics of slow-moving objects, in analogy with Newtonian mechanics.

Badr AbdullGaffar

Quantum mechanics (QM) and surgical pathology might seem totally unrelated fields of science. Because QM or particle physics explains the very basic structure and function of nature, there are growing interconnections between the fundamentals and applications of QM and biologic sciences. QM is not only applied to the structure of atoms but also probes the structure of biologic molecules, explains their mutational changes and has provided an insight into the basic mechanisms of many different biologic systems. Many of the current applications in biologic sciences, medicine, and surgical pathology rely on the principles of QM. Because surgical pathology uses quantum phenomena such as light and studies disease's alterations that are ultimately governed by quantum changes at nanoscale levels, QM will have potential future implications for the progress of surgical pathology. These might include quantum-enhanced refinements in light, ancillary tools, and interpretation assistance computerized systems. The future of applying the concepts, discoveries, and tools of QM in surgical pathology might create something analogous to quantum biology; that is, quantum pathology or "QuPath."