The Fundamental Theory: Relativistic Quantum Fields

The basic reality is a set of universal relativistic fields that are quantized. Quantization occurs because it results in a vastly simpler universe. Standard QP based on Schrodinger’s equation represents only the nonrelativistic limit of this larger picture. Thus, nonrelativistic QP is not a stand-alone theory. The larger picture describes relativistic fields and their quanta, which are excitations—waves—in the fields. Schrodinger’s equation is a field equation describing the low-energy limit of the quantized relativistic electron—positron field or “electron field.” Electrons are quanta of this field. The relativistic quantized EM field, which is analyzed here, is typical of the Standard Model’s 25 universal fields. QP must be about fields because particles turn out to be impossible in a theory that is both relativistic and quantized. Furthermore, the quantum principles entail the quantum vacuum, which contains real energy but no quanta and is thus embarrassing for a theory of particles. For these and several other independent reasons, there can be no particles. Planck’s quantization principle implies instantaneous creation and destruction over arbitrary distances, entailing that individual quanta possess nonlocal characteristics.