Toward a Local Theory of Light

Abstract

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.

Share and Cite:

Hutchin, R. (2015) Toward a Local Theory of Light. Optics and Photonics Journal, 5, 247-259. doi: 10.4236/opj.2015.57024.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1] Hutchin, R.A. (2015) A New Physical Model for the Vacuum Field Based on Einstein’s Stimulated Emission Theory. Optics and Photonics Journal, 5, 109-112. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/opj.2015.54009
[2] Hutchin, R.A. (2015) A Local Theory of Entangled Photons That Matches QM Predictions. Optics and Photonics Journal, 4, 304-308. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/opj.2014.410030
[3] Barrow, J.D. and Tipler, F.J. (1986) The Anthropic Cosmological Principle. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
[4] A. J. Faria , H. M. França , G. G. Gomes , R. C. Sponchiado (2006) The vacuum electromagnetic fields and the Schrodinger picture. arXiv:quant-ph/0510134 v2
[5] Casimir, H.B.G. (1948) On the Attraction between Two Perfectly Conducting Plates. Proc. Kon. Nederland. Akad. Wetensch. B51, 793-795.
[6] Bordag, M., Mohideen, U. and Mostepanenko, V.M. (2001) New Developments in the Casimir Effect. Physics Reports, 353, 1-205. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0370-1573(01)00015-1
[7] Einstein, A. (1917) Zur Quantentheorie der Strahlung (On the Quantum Theory of Radiation). Physika Zeitschrift, 18, 121-128.
[8] Clauser, J.F. (1974) Experimental Distinction between the Quantum and Classical Field-Theoretic Predictions for the Photoelectric Effect. Physical Review D, 9, 853.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.9.853
[9] Adler, R., Basin, M. and Schiffer, M. (1965) Introduction to General Relativity. McGraw-Hill, Boston.
[10] Hutchin, R.A. (2015) Universal Cross-Section of Photonic Interaction. Optics and Photonics Journal, 5, 109-112. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/opj.2015.54009

Copyright © 2024 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.

Creative Commons License

This work and the related PDF file are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.