Electromagnetic Zero-point Field Research Articles

Classical model of a delayed-choice quantum eraser

Wheeler's delayed-choice experiment was conceived to illustrate the paradoxical nature of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics. In the experiment, quantum light can exhibit either wave-like interference patterns or particle-like anti-correlations, depending upon the (possibly delayed) choice of the experimenter. A variant known as the quantum eraser uses entangled light to recover the lost interference in a seemingly nonlocal and retrocausal manner. Although it is believed that this behavior is incompatible with classical physics, here we show that the observed quantum phenomena can be reproduced by adopting a simple deterministic detector model and supposing the existence of a random zero-point electromagnetic field.

Probability Calculations Within Stochastic Electrodynamics

Several stochastic situations in stochastic electrodynamics (SED) are analytically calculated from first principles. These situations include probability density functions, as well as correlation functions at multiple points of time and space, for the zero-point (ZP) electromagnetic fields, as well as for ZP plus Planckian (ZPP) electromagnetic fields. More lengthy analytical calculations are indicated, using similar methods, for the simple harmonic electric dipole oscillator bathed in ZP as well as ZPP electromagnetic fields. The method presented here makes an interesting contrast to Feynman’s path integral approach in quantum electrodynamics (QED). The present SED approach directly entails probabilities, while the QED approach involves summing weighted paths for the wave function.

Dark Matter as Variations in the Electromagnetic Zero-Point Field Induced by Baryonic Matter

Cold dark-matter, as a solution to the so-called dark-matter problem, suffers from a major internal conflict: In order to dodge direct detection for so long, it must have an unobservably small (non gravitational) interaction with mundane matter, and yet it manages to ‘conspire’ with it such that, in single galaxies, its distribution can be inferred from that of mundane matter via the MOND phenomenology. This conflict is avoided if the missing, transparent component of the energy-momentum tensor is due to variations in some electromagnetic ‘zero point field’ (ZPF) which is sourced by mundane matter and contains both its advanced and retarded fields. The existence of a ZPF thus modulated by mundane matter, follows from a proper solution to the self-force problem of classical electrodynamics (CED), recently proposed by the author, which renders CED compatible with the statistical predictions of QM. The possibility that ‘dark matter’ is yet another, hitherto ignored facet of good-old classical electrodynamics, therefore seems no less plausible than it being a highly exotic and conspirative new form of matter. Tests for deciding between the two are proposed.

Mesoscopic orbital paramagnetism: The role of zero-point energy

A model is presented to explain the temperature-independent saturating paramagnetic response of some transparent oxides with no unpaired d-electrons. It is based on an array of N surface defect-related electrons with bound states in the gap that can form a coherent mesoscopic many-electron state in response to fluctuations of the zero-point electromagnetic field. Individual electronic orbits expand by 0.083 pm, as in the theory of the Lamb shift, and these expansions add to produce a global volume change. This modifies the energy density in the zero-point electromagnetic field, thereby lowering the energy per electron sufficiently to stabilize a coherent multi-electron state of the two-dimensional system at room temperature. A net magnetic moment can be induced by an applied magnetic field, which mixes coherent ground and excited states, producing a paramagnetic orbital magnetization of magnitude M=MSx1+x2, where x is proportional to the applied field. Orbital saturation moments per coherent surface electron range from 10-3 to 10-1 Bohr magnetons.

The quantum particle in a box: what we can learn from classical electrodynamics

The problem of a charged particle enclosed in an infinite square potential well is analysed from the point of view of classical theory with the addition of the electromagnetic zero-point radiation field, with the aim to explore the extent to which such an analysis can contribute to enhance our understanding of the quantum behavior. First a proper treatment is made of the freely moving particle subject to the action of the radiation field, involving a frequency cutoff ωc. The jittering motion and the effective structure of the particle are sustained by the permanent action of the zero-point field. As a result, the particle interacts resonantly with the traveling field modes of frequency ωc in its proper frame of reference, which superpose to give rise to a modulated wave accompanying the particle. This is identified with the de Broglie wave, validating the choice of Compton’s frequency for ωc. For the stationary states of particles confined in the potential well, the Lorentz force produced by the accompanying field is shown to lead to discrete values for the mean speed and to an uneven probability distribution that echoes the corresponding quantum distribution. The relevance of the results obtained and the limitations of the classical approach used, are discussed in the context of present-day stochastic electrodynamics.

Observable consequences of zero-point energy

Spectral line widths, the Lamb shift and the Casimir effect are generally accepted to be observable consequences of the zero-point electromagnetic (ZPEM) fields. A new class of observable consequences of ZPEM field at the mesoscopic scale were recently proposed and observed. Here, we extend this class of observable effects and predict that mesoscopic water layers should have a high value for its solid–liquid phase transition temperature, as illustrated by water inside a single-walled carbon nanotube (CNT). For this case, our analysis predicts that the phase transition temperature scales inversely with the square of the effective radius available for the water flow within the CNT.

Three-dimensional imaging of cavity vacuum with single atoms localized by a nanohole array

Zero-point electromagnetic fields were first introduced to explain the origin of atomic spontaneous emission. Vacuum fluctuations associated with the zero-point energy in cavities are now utilized in quantum devices such as single-photon sources, quantum memories, switches and network nodes. Here we present three-dimensional (3D) imaging of vacuum fluctuations in a high-Q cavity based on the measurement of position-dependent emission of single atoms. Atomic position localization is achieved by using a nanoscale atomic beam aperture scannable in front of the cavity mode. The 3D structure of the cavity vacuum is reconstructed from the cavity output. The root mean squared amplitude of the vacuum field at the antinode is also measured to be 0.92±0.07 V cm(-1). The present work utilizing a single atom as a probe for sub-wavelength imaging demonstrates the utility of nanometre-scale technology in cavity quantum electrodynamics.

Quantization as an emergent phenomenon due to matter-zeropoint field interaction

Quantization is derived as an emergent phenomenon, resulting from the permanent interaction between matter and radiation field. The starting point for the derivation is the existence of the (continuous) random zero-point electromagnetic radiation field (zpf) of mean energy ℏω/2 per normal mode. A thermodynamic and statistical analysis leads unequivocally (and without quantum assumptions) to the Planck distribution law for the complete field in equilibrium. The problem of the quantization of matter is then approached from the same perspective: A detailed study of the dynamics of a particle embedded in the zpf shows that when the entire system eventually reaches a situation of energy balance thanks to the combined effect of diffusion and dissipation, the particle has acquired its characteristic quantum properties. To obtain the quantum-mechanical description it has been necessary to do a partial averaging and take the radiationless approximation. Consideration of the neglected radiative terms allows to establish contact with nonrelativistic quantum electrodynamics and derive the correct formulas for the first-order radiative corrections. Quantum mechanics emerges therefore as a partial, approximate and time-asymptotic description of a phenomenon that in its original (pre-quantum) description is entirely local and causal.

The Boundary Condition in the Classical Derivation of the BBR

The classical derivation of the black body radiation (BBR) spectrum by Boyer was based on an equilibrium mechanism such that in the absence of thermal radiation particles in a container can gain kinetic energy from the random electromagnetic zero point field (ZPF) radiation. Their loss of that energy was to be by means of their collisions with the walls of the container. Theoretically, energy dissipation through collisions with the walls might lead to a divergent kinetic energy value for the particles. This is because the box can be taken large enough to minimize the collisions probability, and that can lead to a particle’s indefinite growth in energy. Furthermore, a derivation of a general phenomenon such as the BBR should be possible without relying on the walls boundary of a box. Therefore, a new boundary condition is proposed here which is related to relativistic effects. It is shown that with the new boundary condition one may still recover the BBR spectrum. A discussion is presented that shows how the new boundary condition is indeed responsible for energy dissipations.

Aquantitative assessment of stochastic electrodynamics with spin (SEDS): Physical principles and novel applications

Stochastic electrodynamics (SED) without spin, denoted as pure SED, has been discussed and seriously considered in the literature for several decades because it accounts for important aspects of quantum mechanics (QM). SED is based on the introduction of the nonrenormalized, electromagnetic stochastic zero-point field (ZPF), but neglects the Lorentz force due to the radiation random magnetic field Br. In addition to that rather basic limitation, other drawbacks remain, as well: i) SED fails when there are nonlinear forces; ii) it is not possible to derive the Schrodinger equation in general; iii) it predicts broad spectra for rarefied gases instead of the observed narrow spectral lines; iv) it does not explain double-slit electron diffraction patterns. We show in this short review that all of those drawbacks, and mainly the first most basic one, can be overcome in principle by introducing spin into stochastic electrodynamics (SEDS). Moreover, this modification of the theory also explains four observed effects that are otherwise so far unexplainable by QED, i.e., 1) the physical origin of the ZPF, and its natural upper cutoff; 2) an anomaly in experimental studies of the neutrino rest mass; 3) the origin and quantitative treatment of 1/f noise; and 4) the high-energy tail (∼ 1021 eV) of cosmic rays. We review the theoretical and experimental situation regarding these things and go on to propose a double-slit electron diffraction experiment that is aimed at discriminating between QM and SEDS. We show that, in the context of this experiment, for the case of an electron beam focused on just one of the slits, no interference pattern due to the other slit is predicted by QM, while this is not the case for SEDS. A second experiment that could discriminate between QED and SEDS regards a transversely large electron beam including both slits obtained in an insulating wall, where the ZPF is reduced but not vanished. The interference pattern according to SEDS should be somewhat modified with respect to QED’s.

Matter diffraction through a double slit obtained by numerical simulation using a diffracted random electromagnetic field

In this paper, we revisit the problem of the origin of the diffraction of matter. For this purpose we consider the electromagnetic radiation zero-point field (zpf) modified by the presence of a perfectly conducting plate with two parallel slits. A monochromatic field of wavelength of the order of the slit separation is considered. The effect of this modified zpf on the charged particles crossing the slits is analyzed using numerical methods to calculate the detailed particle trajectories. Calculations carried out for different values of the particle velocity, show in all cases random deviations caused by the diffracted field. For velocities close to de Broglie velocity, in particular, the pattern of trajectories obtained far from the plate points to the well-known diffraction phenomenon. To arrive at a definitive conclusion regarding particle diffraction, however, a much higher number of trajectories must be included in the calculations.

The Vacuum Electromagnetic Fields and the Schrödinger Equation

We consider the simple case of a nonrelativistic charged harmonic oscillator in one dimension, to investigate how to take into account the radiation reaction and vacuum fluctuation forces within the Schrodinger equation. The effects of both zero-point and thermal classical electromagnetic vacuum fields, characteristic of stochastic electrodynamics, are separately considered. Our study confirms that the zero-point electromagnetic fluctuations are dynamically related to the momentum operator p=−iℏ∂/∂x used in the Schrodinger equation.

Massive supersymmetric quantum gauge theory

In previous work it has been shown that the electromagnetic quantum vacuum, or electromagnetic zero-point field, makes a contribution to the inertial reaction force on an accelerated object. We show that the result for inertial mass can be extended to passive gravitational mass. As a consequence the weak equivalence principle, which equates inertial to passive gravitational mass, appears to be explainable. This in turn leads to a straightforward derivation of the classical Newtonian gravitational force. We call the inertia and gravitation connection with the vacuum fields the quantum vacuum inertia hypothesis. To date only the electromagnetic field has been considered. It remains to extend the hypothesis to the effects of the vacuum fields of the other interactions. We propose an idealized experiment involving a cavity resonator which, in principle, would test the hypothesis for the simple case in which only electromagnetic interactions are involved. This test also suggests a basis for the free parameter η(ν) which we have previously defined to parametrize the interaction between charge and the electromagnetic zero-point field contributing to the inertial mass of a particle or object.

A Quantum Biomechanical Basis for Near-Death Life Reviews

Near-death life reviews pose a challenge to current memory research in terms of the sheer amount of instantaneous and empathetic information recall. Advances in quantum physics, biomechanics, holographic information theory, and consciousness studies support for the first time a fully realizable quantum biomechanical basis for near-death life reviews. We introduce the unifying paradigm of the quantum hologram as a non-local carrier of information. We further investigate the interrelated phenomena of non-local communications, and the electromagnetic zero-point field. Recent confirmation of the zero-point field lends credibility to vast memory storage capabilities outside the physical body. Microtubules are considered to be key components in non-local, quantum processes critical to human consciousness. Discovery of the liquid crystalline nature of the human body provides further support for our model. Microtubules, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and the entire brain are described as communicating non-locally with virtually unlimited memory storage capacity.

Inertial Mass and Vacuum Fluctuations in Quantum Field Theory

Motivated by recent works on the origin of inertial mass, we revisit the relationship between the mass of charged particles and zero-point electromagnetic fields. To this end we first introduce a simple model comprising a scalar field coupled to stochastic or thermal electromagnetic fields. Then we check if it is possible to start from a zero bare mass in the renormalization process and express the finite physical mass in terms of a cut-off. In scalar QED this is indeed possible, except for the problem that all conceivable cut-offs correspond to very large masses. For spin-1/2 particles (QED with fermions) the relation between bare mass and renormalized mass is compatible with the observed electron mass and with a finite cut-off, but only if the bare mass is not zero; for any value of the cut-off the radiative correction is very small.

Electrodynamics in the Zero-Point Field: On the Equilibrium Spectral Energy Distribution and the Origin of Inertial Mass

Attempts at an electromagnetic explanation of the inertial mass of charged particles have recently been revived within the framework of Stochastic Electrodynamics, characterized by the adoption of a classical version of the electromagnetic zero-point field (ZPF). Recent claims of progress in that area have to some extent received support from related claims that the classical equilibrium spectrum of charged matter is that of the classically conceived ZPF. The purpose of this note is to suggest that some strong qualifications should accompany these claims. It is pointed out that a classical massless charge cannot acquire mass from nothing as a result of immersion in any EM field, and therefore that the ZPF alone cannot provide a full explanation of inertial mass. Of greater concern, it is observed that the peculiar circumstances under which classical matter is in equilibrium with the ZPF do not concur with observation.

Radiative emission due to atomic self-dressing in QED

We study the radiative emission due to the self-dressing of a two-level atom, initially in its bare ground state, interacting with the zero-point electromagnetic field. Evolution in time leads to the formation of a dressed ground state of lower energy. This energy difference between bare and dressed ground state is taken into account by the emission of real photons. In order to describe this aspect of the self-dressing process we study the transition probability amplitude from the initial bare state to an asymptotic state consisting of the atom in its dressed ground state plus some real photons. Adopting nonperturbative techniques based on the resolvent method we find that the bare-dressed transition occurs at the lowest order with the emission of two photons. The spectral distribution obtained shows that there is a probability for emission of photons at frequency of the order of the atom's transition frequency.

Stochastic nonrelativistic approach to gravity as originating from vacuum zero-point field van der Waals forces

We analyze the proposal that gravity may originate from a van der Waals type of residual force between particles due to the vacuum electromagnetic zero-point field. Starting from the Casimir-Polder integral, we show that the proposed approach can be analyzed directly, without recourse to approximations previously made. We conclude that this approach to Newtonian gravity does not work, at least not with this particular starting point. Only by imposing different or additional physical constraints, or by treating the underlying dynamics differently than what are embodied in the inherently subrelativistic Casimir-Polder integral, can one expect to escape this conclusion.

Gravity, Inertia, and Quantum Vacuum Zero Point Fields

Over the past several years Haisch, Rueda, and others have made the claim that the origin of inertial reaction forces can be explained as the interaction of electrically charged elementary particles with the vacuum electromagnetic zero-point field expected on the basis of quantum field theory. After pointing out that this claim, in light of the fact that the inertial masses of the hadrons reside in the electrically chargeless, photon-like gluons that bind their constituent quarks, is untenable, the question of the role of quantum zero-point fields generally in the origin of inertia is explored. It is shown that, although non-gravitational zero-point fields might be the cause of the gravitational properties of normal matter, the action of non-gravitational zero-point fields cannot be the cause of inertial reaction forces. The gravitational origin of inertial reaction forces is then briefly revisited. Recent claims critical of the gravitational origin of inertial reaction forces by Haisch and his collaborators are then shown to be without merit.

Inertial mass and the quantum vacuum fields

Even when the Higgs particle is finally detected, it will continue to be a legitimate question to ask whether the inertia of matter as a reaction force opposing acceleration is an intrinsic or extrinsic property of matter. General relativity specifies which geodesic path a free particle will follow, but geometrodynamics has no mechanism for generating a reaction force for deviation from geodesic motion. We discuss a different approach involving the electromagnetic zero-point field (ZPF) of the quantum vacuum. It has been found that certain asymmetries arise in the ZPF as perceived from an accelerating reference frame. In such a frame the Poynting vector and momentum flux of the ZPF become non-zero. Scattering of this quantum radiation by the quarks and electrons in matter can result in an acceleration-dependent reaction force. Both the ordinary and the relativistic forms of Newton's second law, the equation of motion, can be derived from the electrodynamics of such ZPF-particle interactions. Conjectural arguments are given why this interaction should take place in a resonance at the Compton frequency, and how this could simultaneously provide a physical basis for the de Broglie wavelength of a moving particle. This affords a suggestive perspective on a deep connection between electrodynamics, the origin of inertia and the quantum wave nature of matter.