Extradimensional confinement of quantum particles

Abstract

A basic theoretical framework is developed in which elementary particles have a component of their wave function extending into higher spatial dimensions. This model postulates an extension of the Schrodinger equation to include a 4th and 5th spatial component. A higher-dimensional simple harmonic oscillator confining potential localizes particles into 3-d space, characterizing the brane tension which confines Standard Model particles to the sub-manifold. Quantum effects allow a non-zero probability for a particle's evanescent existence in the higher dimensions, and suggest an experimental test for the validity of this model via particles being temporarily excited into the first excited state of the extra-dimensional potential well, in which their probability of existing in 3-d space transiently drops to zero. Several consistency checks of the outcomes of this extra-dimensional model are included in this paper. Among the outcomes of this model are: a match with the quantum phenomenon of zitterbewegung; the predicted intrinsic spin angular momentum is of order h/2Pi; the magnetic moment of the electron is determined with a gyromagnetic ratio of 2; the nuclear force hard core radius is accurately predicted; the ratio of the up and down quark masses is found to be mu/md=0.56, consistent with QCD theory; a self-consistent derivation of special relativistic effects is given; possible explanations of the Planck mass and Planck length, and a possible explanation of the origin of electric charge. In addition, a simple application of higher-dimensional particle effects to the astrophysics of stars is briefly examined, showing that radical physical inconsistencies are not evident. Finally, this model suggests a possible explanation of dark matter as the fractional probability manifestations of a ladder of the higher-dimensional symmetric excited states of ordinary particles.