A
note on the Aether according to the new field Theory
Central to an understanding of this theory is the concept of a Universe that is filled with a sea of “virtual” photons. Every part of space is permeated by these virtual photons . Hence virtual photons are synonymous with space and are similar to the aether. However , at this point it must be made clear , that any simple aether , as for instance an aether providing a medium for waves to propagate through , as happens in the case of sound traveling through the atmosphere or waves traveling in water , would not be adequate. This is due to the unique nature of photons , which unlike sound or other waves which tend to dissipate their energy as they travel , retain their initial energies intact until they are either absorbed or reach their destination. The only possible type of aether which would fit this scenario , is a “virtual photon” aether. As has been explained this would enable photons of almost any length or frequency to retain their original energies over unimaginable distances. The possibility of the existence of a “virtual photon “ sea which permeates every part of the Universe is based strictly on scientific fact andphysical observation and not on hypotheses alone.
The virtual photon sea had its origin at the time of the conception of the Universe and came into being simultaneously with the Universe at the time of the Big Bang and evolved with it . All matter constantly emits ‘virtual” photons , all light and electromagnetic radiation , if not absorbed eventually evolve into “virtual” photons. Light from the stars is a steady source of virtual photons as are all forms of matter. This means in effect that wherever there is light or matter , “virtual photons” are present.
Physically the “virtual “ photon sea may be
described as a homogenous field , whose each part has infinitely many degrees of freedom. When a real photon interacts with this field
, the virtual photons ,
orientate themselves in the direction of propagation of the photon forming a
line whose ends rest on infinity. The energy of the photon propagates through
this line of virtual photons.
In order to prove the existence of the “virtual” photon sea , it is necessary to understand how the existence of virtual photons had first been postulated and later detected.
At the risk of repeating myself . Classical physics predicted that electrons orbiting the nucleus of the atom would lose their
energy through radiation and spiral in towards the nucleus. This is a
notable example of the complete failure
of classical physics when applied to the sub-atomic world. By making use
of obvious conclusions drawn from the
principles of classical physics ,
namely the instability of any stationary structure of charged particles
and the emission of radiation by a
particle moving with acceleration , it is concluded that atoms cannot exist
!
This illustrates the most impressive contradiction derived
from the difference between the predictions of classical physics and
experiment. Many theories were formed to explain the fact that the electron did
not spiral into the nucleus. The most important of these was the principle of
the wave-particle duality of matter , which allowed for the disassociation of
matter , since a wave is not localised , the question of the electron falling
into the nucleus was avoided. With
increasing technology an aberration in the spectrum of Hydrogen , known as the Lamb shift , was
noticed ,and for a long time proved an enigma to scientists. It was finally resolved when it was
postulated that the electron is constantly emitting and absorbing “virtual”
photons. In multi-electron atoms this phenomenon is shielded by the presence of
other electrons within the atom. The Hydrogen atom , since it has only one
electron is not subject to such shielding and the result of “virtual
photon” emission and absorption can
clearly be seen in the Hydrogen spectrum.
The emission and
absorption of “virtual” photons by the electrons in an atom is known as self
interaction . Although this
explanation of why the electron does not eventually spiral into the nucleus effectively negated the
need for wave-particle duality , this development was not reflected within the
science. Apart from this specific case it follows that electrons must also
constantly emit and absorb “virtual”
photons during their orbit around the
nucleus , many of these electrons escape , as for instance virtual photons from
other atoms or electrons within the same atom are absorbed soon after the
emission of a “virtual” photon.
Electrons are able to emit and absorb “virtual” photons without violating the conservation laws because of the Heisenberg uncertainty relation : DE Dt > h / 4p
This relation means that if an event occurs in a very short period of time , 10 –25 Sec. The conservation laws are not violated.
The “virtual” photon sea is made possible by the Heisenberg uncertainty relation. An interesting corollary to this theory is that “virtual” photons can exist for almost any period of time , since the term DE is synonymous with mass when taken in accordance with Einstein’s matter / energy equivalence E = mc2, a virtual photon of low energy would possess neither rest mass nor inertial mass ( or practically none ) it means in effect that “virtual” photons can exist for a very long time , making possible the existence of the “virtual” photon sea.
The presence of the “Virtual” photon sea , negates many of the experiments on which Quantum mechanics has been founded. The Double Slit Experiment and the Stern Gehrlach quantum entanglement (EPR) experiment. , both of which are frequently quoted as the final proof of the wave-particle duality of matter , would be completely negated by the presence of a “virtual” photon sea.
Every physical theory is a synthesis of certain ideas ( advanced on the basis of observation and/or experiment ) and a reliable mathematical apparatus . The building up of a theory is a complicated and controversial process , developing according to successive observations and hypotheses. There are however , in all such formulations at least three successive and logical stages : ( 1 ) The first stage is that in which the basic physical ideas are formulated and interpreted on the basis of observation , this represents the foundation on which the theory is built. ( 2) the second stage is where an adequate mathematical expression for the theory is found and the theory and the mathematical formulations are linked together ( 3) lastly there is the stage where the physical theory supported by its mathematical formula is verified by experiment. However , the formulation of a new physical theory need not necessarily follow the stages set forth above in an exact order. Often theories are formulated for which no experimental proof is immediately available , sometimes , the theory is verified by experiment and physical observations even before a supporting mathematical structure is developed.
New Field theory may be stated as follows:-
We first postulate that “associated “ with each fundamental particle of physics (i.e., an electron ) is a body existing in a small region of space , in other words each fundamental particle may be approximated as a mathematical point.
The next stage is to assume that associated with this body is a field without which the body is never found in the free state. This field is represented by the Y field ( of Schrodinger ?) , which may be considered as being somewhat like the gravitational or the electro-magnetic but as having some characteristics of its own.
The source of this Y field may be thought of as being the constant virtual photons emitted by electrons in their orbit around the nucleus , the field is therefore all pervading.
In the next stage we speculate on the nature and characteristics of the individual components which make up the field (i.e virtual photons ) .
Because of the very low energy of these virtual photons they can by the HUP be considered as having relatively long lives and also of being virtually stationary , since they do not interact with other virtual photons. (i.e after their initial release they travel for some distance and come to a halt.)
The virtual photons comprising the Y field may be thought of as being ‘photon shells’ in that they can accommodate any energy and wave-length of photon up to the wave length and energy of the conduction photon (approx 10 –6 m. )
In the presence of a real photon the virtual photons comprising the Y field immediately line up in the direction of propagation of the real photon and the energy of the real photon is passed along this line at the speed of light. In this respect ,. The propagation of light according to this theory might be considered as being similar to the propagation of sound since it is the energy that is transmitted while the initial (wave ?) remains stationary.
Apart from transmitting the energy of the real photon in the line of direction of propagation , the energy of the real photon might also be shared with adjacent virtual photons , which then take on the identity and characteristics of the real photon , however if a given threshold of energy is exceeded the real photon itself becomes a virtual photon and the wave propagation collapses.
Consider now the double slit experiment when conducted with an electron or a neutron , with respect to the Y field . When only one slit is open , the electron or neutron travels in a relatively straight line and forms a spot on the detecting screen. When both slits are open the electron or neutron naturally travels along the lines where the Y field is most intense (i.e ., where the fields entering from slit A and B impinge ) , therefore the pattern found on the detecting screen is an interference pattern.
Now consider the advantages of this New Field Theory , QED offers no explanations for the double slit experiment , apart from saying that it is due to wave-particle duality which results in the disassociation of the particle , it also offers no medium through which the photon energy can travel , nor does it give an acceptable explanation for the existence or properties of photons with a wave-length longer than that of visible light i.e radio waves. New Field Theory offers concrete explanations for all of these phenomenon and is a more rational and acceptable theory explaining these phenomenon.