Physics – Quantum Physics
Scientific paper
2009-08-29
Physics
Quantum Physics
47 pages text, 11 figures, as revised per referee comments and dark energy results
Scientific paper
We propose a new path integral based interpretation of quantum field theory (QFT). In our interpretation, QFT is the continuous approximation of a more fundamental, discrete graph theory (theory X) whereby the transition amplitude Z is not viewed as a sum over all paths in configuration space, but measures the symmetry of the differential operator and source vector of the discrete graphical action. We propose that the differential operator and source vector of theory X are related via a self-consistency criterion (SCC) based on the identity that underwrites divergence-free sources in classical field theory, i.e., the boundary of a boundary principle. In this approach, the SCC ensures the source vector is divergence-free and resides in the row space of the differential operator. Accordingly, the differential operator will necessarily have a non-trivial eigenvector with eigenvalue zero, so the SCC is the origin of gauge invariance. Using this formalism, we obtain the two-source transition amplitude over a (1+1)-dimensional graph with N vertices fundamental to the scalar Gaussian theory and interpret it in the context of the twin-slit experiment to provide a unified account of the Aharonov-Bohm effect and quantum non-separability (superposition and entanglement) that illustrates our ontic structural realist alternative to problematic particle and field ontologies. Our account also explains the need for regularization and renormalization, explains gauge invariance and largely discharges the problems of inequivalent representations and Haag's theorem. We conclude by presenting the results of our modified Regge calculus approach to Einstein-de Sitter cosmology where we produced a fit to the Union2 Compilation data for type Ia supernovae rivaling that of the concordance model ({\Lambda}CDM), but without having to invoke dark energy or accelerated expansion.
McDevitt Timothy
Silberstein Michael
Stuckey William Mark
No associations
LandOfFree
Relational Blockworld: A Path Integral Based Interpretation of Quantum Field Theory does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Relational Blockworld: A Path Integral Based Interpretation of Quantum Field Theory, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Relational Blockworld: A Path Integral Based Interpretation of Quantum Field Theory will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-597595