A Particle-Only Interpretation of the Double-Slit Experiment: Energy Waves in the Electromagnetic Field as a Guiding Mechanism
Paul Sammut
## AbstractA deterministic interpretation of the double-slit experiment is proposed, in which the electron is treated as a localized particle at all times. The observed interference pattern is attributed to a real physical energy wave in the electromagnetic field, generated by the electron's accelerated motion through the field. This energy wave reaches the slit barrier, where the slit geometry creates coherent waves that merge to form a constructive interference wave. This wave redistributes energy in the field, creating an Electron-EMF coupled pathway that guides the particle to the detector. The apparent randomness of individual impacts arises from incomplete knowledge of the initial conditions, not from intrinsic indeterminism. The measurement effect is modelled as a disturbance of the coherent energy waves, either preventing the formation of the coupled pathway or destroying it after formation. The model is extended to the quantum eraser experiment, where the restoration of coherence via a polarizer naturally explains the reappearance of interference. A further extension to the delayed-choice quantum eraser is proposed, introducing the Entangled Constructive Interference Wave (ECIW) as a physical mechanism for entanglement within the model. The mechanism is shown to apply across geometries beyond the double slit. Predictions include a correlation between landing position and flight time, offering a testable distinction from standard quantum mechanical interpretations. A preliminary, illustrative mathematical framework is provided, situating the model within the pilot-wave tradition. **Keywords: ** Double-slit experiment, pilot wave, electromagnetic field, quantum interpretation, determinism, hidden variables, measurement problem, energy wave, coupled pathway, quantum eraser, delayed-choice quantum eraser, entanglement.
•Jul 7, 2026•0 citations