Showing papers in "Physics Essays in 2006"

The Locality of the Superposition Principle Is Dictated by Detection Processes

Abstract: Both classical and quantum physics thrive on the superposition principle (SP), yet the first one takes it as a local effect and the second one assumes it as a non-local phenomenon. We take SP as a tool to bridge the two worlds into one causal frame work by introducing extended interpretations on each one of the mathematical symbols and operators representing the photo detection equation for the case of various two-beam interferometer experiments. The experiments dramatize classical locality. The locality argument arises because the recorded energy re-distribution due to superposition of fields is due to real energy exchange through field-dipole interaction, and not due to field-field interaction. EM fields do not interact with each other in absence of material dipoles. All QM interactions are mediated through amplitude-amplitude stimulation, which is at the root of superposition principle. The detector dipoles attempt to respond to the sum of all the locally superposed EM fields, if allowed quantum mechanically, actualizing the principle of superposition. The energy exchange by the dipoles follow the standard prescription, ensemble average of the square modulus of all the superposed amplitudes, * p q p q ψ ψ ⋅ ∑∑ G G but for this paper, p ψ G represents the undulation of the detector dipoles induced by the p-th EM field rather than the field itself. The summation is carried out by the dipoles when allowed by their intrinsic quantum properties.

Maxwell's Equations and QED: Which Is Fact and Which Is Fiction?

Abstract: The claim that quantum electrodynamics (QED) is the most successful theory in history is critically evaluated. The Dirac equation was postulated in 1926 as a means to remedy the nonrelativistic nature of the Schrodinger equation to provide the missing fourth quantum number. The positive and negative square root terms provided an argument for the existence of negative energy states of the vacuum, virtual particles, and corresponding so-called QED computer algorithms for calculating unexpected observables such as the Lamb shift and the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron. Dirac’s original attempt to solve the bound electron physically with stability with respect to radiation according to Maxwell’s equations, with the further constraints that it be relativistically invariant and give rise to electron spin, is achievable using a classical approach. Starting with the same essential physics as Bohr, Schrodinger, and Dirac of e – moving in the Coulombic field of the proton and the wave equation as an equation of motion rather than energy after Schrodinger, advancements in the understanding of the stability of the bound electron to radiation are applied to solve for the exact nature of the electron. Rather than using the postulated Schrodinger boundary condition “ Ψ → 0 as r → ∞,” which leads to a purely mathematical model of the electron, the constraint is based on experimental observation. Using Maxwell’s equations, the classical wave equation is solved with the constraint that the bound (n = 1)-state electron cannot radiate energy. Although it is well known that an accelerated point particle radiates, an extended distribution modeled as a superposition of accelerating charges does not have to radiate. A simple invariant physical model arises naturally wherein the predicted results are extremely straightforward and internally consistent, requiring minimal mathematics, as in the case of the most famous equations of Newton, Maxwell, Lorentz, de Broglie, and Planck on which the model is based. No new physics is needed; only the known physical laws based on direct observation are used. Rather than invoking untestable “flights of fancy,” the results of QED, such as the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron, the Lamb shift, the fine structure and hyperfine structure of the hydrogen atom, and the hyperfine structure intervals of positronium and muonium, can be solved exactly from Maxwell’s equations to the limit possible based on experimental measurements, which confirms QED’s illegitimacy as representative of reality.

Causal Loops and Collapse in the Transactional Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

Abstract: Cramer's transactional interpretation of quantum mechanics is reviewed, and a number of issues related to advanced interactions and state vector collapse are analyzed. Where some have suggested that Cramer's predictions may not be correct or definite, I argue that they are, but I point out that the classical-quantum distinction problem in the Copenhagen interpretation has its parallel in the transactional interpretation.

Deflating Quantum Mysteries via the Relational Blockworld

Abstract: We present a spacetime setting for non-relativistic quantum mechanics that deflates "quantum mysteries" and relates non-relativistic quantum mechanics to special relativity. This is achieved by assuming spacetime symmetries are fundamental in a blockworld setting, i.e., by interpreting spacetime relations as fundamental to relata. To justify this Relational Blockworld (RBW), we adopt a result due to G. Kaiser whereby the relativity of simultaneity, stemming from the Poincare algebra of special relativity, is responsible for the canonical commutation relations of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. And, we incorporate a result due to A. Bohr, B. Mottelson and O. Ulfbeck whereby the density matrix for a given experimental situation is obtained from its spacetime symmetry group. We provide an example to illustrate the explanatory nature of RBW and conclude by explaining how RBW deflates "quantum mysteries."

The United Families of Massive Neutrinos of a Different Nature

Abstract: At the availability of a nonzero mass, the same neutrino regardless of whether it refers to Dirac or Majorana fermions, must possess simultaneously each of the anapole and electric dipole moments. Their interaction with the field of emission can also lead to the elastic scattering of the longitudinal polarized neutrinos on a spinless nucleus. Using the cross section of a process, the united equation has been obtained between the anapole and electric dipole form factors of Dirac and Majorana neutrinos. It corresponds in nature to the coexistence of neutrinos of both types. As a consequence, each Dirac neutrino testifies in favor of the existence of a kind of Majorana neutrino. They constitute herewith the united families of massive neutrinos of a different nature. Therefore, any of the earlier measured properties of neutrinos may serve as a certain indication of the existence simultaneously of both Dirac and Majorana neutrinos. All findings are also confirmed by the comparatively new laboratory restrictions on the self-masses of these fermions. Thereby they state that electromagnetic gauge invariance must have a new structure, which depends on nature of the inertial mass and says that P-symmetry of a particle is basically violated at the expense of its rest mass.

Mass and Mass-Energy Equation from Classical Mechanics Solution

Abstract: We establish the classical wave equation for a particle formed of a massless oscillatory elementary charge generally also traveling, and the resulting electromagnetic waves, of a generally Doppler-effected angular frequency ω, in the vacuum in three dimensions. We obtain from the solutions the total energy of the particle wave to be e = ¯cω, 2π¯c being a function expressed in wave-medium parameters and identifiable as the Planck constant. In respect to the train of the waves as a whole traveling at the finite velocity of light c, e = mc 2 represents thereby the translational kinetic energy of the wavetrain, m = ¯cω/c 2 being its inertial mass and thereby the inertial mass of the particle. Based on the solutions we also write down a set of semi-empirical equations for the particle’s de Broglie wave parameters. From the standpoint of overall modern experimental indications we comment on the origin of mass implied by the solution.

Does Cosmological Scale Expansion Explain the Universe

Abstract: The idea of the creation of the world has been central in Western civilization since the earliest recorded history some 6000 years ago and it still prevails, supported by religious dogma. If the creation idea is wrong and the universe is eternal we might wonder why science has not yet revealed this fundamental truth. To understand why, we have to review how the Big Bang theory came to be the dominant cosmological paradigm in spite of many clear indications that the theory might be fundamentally flawed.

On the similarity of information energy to dark energy

Abstract: Information energy is shown here to have properties similar to those of dark energy. The energy associated with each information bit of the universe is found to be defined identically to the characteristic energy of a cosmological constant. Two independent methods are used to estimate the universe information content of 1091 bits, a value that provides an information energy total comparable to that of dark energy. Information energy is also found to have a significantly negative equation‐of‐state parameter, w < −0.4, and thus exerts a negative pressure, similar to dark energy.

Justification for High-Speed Reenactments of the Ives-Stilwell Experiment

Abstract: A Special Theory of Relativity (STR) test theory is a generalization of the Lorentz transforms using additional parameters. One can then analyze experiments using the test theory instead of STR and fit the parameters of the test theory to the experimental results. If the fitted parameter values differ significantly from the values corresponding to STR, then the experiment is inconsistent with STR. But more normally, such fits can show how well a given experiment confirms or disagrees with STR and what is its experimental accuracy. This gives a general and tractable method of analysis which can be common to multiple experiments.

Physical Laws Must Be Invariant over Quantum Systems

Abstract: Decoherence may not solve all of the measurement problems of quantum mechanics. It is proposed that a solution to these problems may be to allow that superpositions describe physically real systems in the following sense. Each quantum system "carries" around a local spacetime in whose terms other quantum systems may take on nonlocal states. Each quantum system forms a physically valid coordinate frame. The laws of physics should be formulated to be invariant under the group of allowed transformations among such frames. A transformation of relatively superposed spatial coordinates that allows an electron system to preserve the de Broglie Relation in describing a double-slit laboratory system-in analogy to a Minkowskian Transformation-is proposed. In general, "quantum relativity" says is invariant under transformations among quantum reference frames. Some conjectures on how this impacts gravity and gauge invariance are made.

Electrodynamics and the Mass-Energy Equivalence Principle

Abstract: In this paper we investigate the link between classical electrodynamics and the mass-energy equivalence principle, in view of the conclusions reached in ref.[1]. A formula for the radius of a charged particle is derived. The formula predicts the radius of the proton correctly. The radius of the electron turns out to be a surprising quantity that solves the existing problems of electrodynamics, particularly the problem of the infinite self-force of the electron. In addition, the classical radius of the electron (2.82fm) will prove to be not a "radius", but rather the mean distance through which the retarded potentials of the self-force act. An important conclusion is that there is no deficiency in the classical Abraham-Lorentz model of the self-force, but rather the problem lies with our intuitive understanding of what an elementary particle is. Other important conclusions are also discussed, including a physically sound explanation for why electric charges must be quantized (as opposed to Dirac's monopole theory).

The Three-Body Model of Atomic Radiation

Abstract: Einstein derived his coefficients of induced and spontaneous emission by assuming that electromagnetic radiation is directional, having the form of “needle radiation.” That idea is extended here and shown to suggest that stimulated emission should be described as a three-body problem: nucleus, electron, and photon. The photon is conceived of as having a central core with localized momentum surrounded laterally by a continuous sinusoidal field; stimulated emission is due to the coupling of its field with the bound electrons of nearby molecules. Coupling is directly proportional to the density of oscillators so that starlight is predicted to have a different microscopic structure than artificial light. Noncommutation does not occur in the three-body model of emission because the conservation of momentum fixes the order of observables. This allows the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics to be assigned a more precise physical interpretation. Evidence for the three-body model is described at the macroscopic level by using high-speed photographs of spark discharges. It is hypothesized that all forces — gravitational, electroweak, and nuclear — have independent structure and are thus in agreement with the three-body model.

Persistence of information in the quantum measurement problem

Abstract: The quantum measurement problem has to do with the compatibility of two different prescriptions for the end state of a quantum measurement process: (1) a superposition representing an entangled state of object system and apparatus; (2) a mixture of correlated states of object system and apparatus. The first prescription is a consequence of the linearity of time evolution in quantum mechanics; the second one (corresponding to what is usually called the 'collapse of the wave function') is a basic feature of the axiomatic structure of the theory. This paper proves that the two prescriptions are exactly equivalent whenever information about the results of the measurement persists, i.e. whenever there is some kind of record or trace of the results (all the measurements we are ordinarily concerned with fulfill this requirement). Experimental evidence is cited suggesting that indeed we should expect the equivalence of prescriptions (1) and (2) to hold when and only when information about measurement results persists. Finally the notion of 'element of reality' introduced by Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen is discussed in the context of this description of the measurement process, and a brief remark is offered about the 'classical' nature of the world we experience.

Electrogravimagnetics: Practical Modeling Methods of the Polarizable Vacuum — VI

Abstract: A number of tools to facilitate the experimental design process are presented. These include the development of a design matrix based on the unit-amplitude spectrum and the derivation of harmonic and spectral similarity equations, critical phase variance, critical field strengths, and critical frequency.

Mathematical and Physical Examination of the Locality Condition in Bell's Theorem

Abstract: Using the Clauser-Horne model of Bell's theorem, the locality condition is examined and it is shown the corresponding formulation is equivalent to a factorization process consisting of three stages. The first stage is introduced based on the conditional probability definition in classical theory of probability and the other two stages are based on previously-known relations named as outcome and parameter independence conditions.

A Generalized Higgs Model

Abstract: The Higgs model is generalized so that in addition to the radial Higgs field there are fields which correspond to the themasy and entropy. The model is further generalized to include state and sign parameters. A reduction to the standard Higgs model is given and how to break symmetry using a non-zero VEV (vacuum expectation value) is shown. A 'fluid rotation' can be performed on the standard Higgs model to give a model dependant on the entropy and themasy and with a constant mass.