Tag: Fields

Feynman diagram Does antimatter ‘fall’ the same as matter? – QFT and CPT symmetry
General · Language · Problem

Does antimatter ‘fall’ the same as matter? – QFT and CPT symmetry

John Healy1 Comment

[“Quantum foundations” series – QFT charge inversion] As discussed elsewhere (e.g., in “QFT – How many fields are there?” and comments), in the Standard Model, “there is one field for each kind of particle.” So, consider the positron – the “negative-energy solution” of the Dirac equation. It’s likely that electrons and positrons (anti-electrons) are localized… Continue reading Does antimatter ‘fall’ the same as matter? – QFT and CPT symmetry

3D wavcepacket visualization QFT – fields and wave packets
Diagram · General · Language · Media

QFT – fields and wave packets

John Healy3 Comments

[“Quantum foundations” series] TABLE OF CONTENTS QUANTUM FIELD THEORY (QFT) LANDSCAPE Some recent articles prompted me to further explore (revisit once again, eh) some key features of quantum field theory (QFT). Without grasping all the esoteric math. As noted in a prior post (“QFT – How many fields are there?“), not all physicists tally these… Continue reading QFT – fields and wave packets

General · Language · Media · Problem

Reality of fields, language of particles – the Standard Model

John Healy4 Comments

[Communicating science] To understand contemporary physics, particularly quantum theory, the Standard Model is essential. This article includes an excellent video overview: • Quanta Magazine > Math Meets QFT > “A Video Tour of the Standard Model” by Kevin Hartnett, Senior Writer/Editor (July 16, 2021) (quote) Physicists would like to move beyond the Standard Model to… Continue reading Reality of fields, language of particles – the Standard Model

Diagram · General · Language · Problem

A particle by any other name?

John Healy2 Comments

[“What’s changed in the last ~50 years” series] Fundamental particles have properties; but not due to any constituents (cf. Feynman’s dilemma for an electron’s charge [1]). So, mathematical patterns of … localized “knots” (tangles or twists as in Möbius strips) – particular symmetries – of space-time energy? A landscape of colliding (interacting) ripples … How… Continue reading A particle by any other name?

A force-less physics?
General · Language · Problem

A force-less physics?

John Healy15 Comments

[“Quantum foundations” series] Force-less physics? No, I do NOT mean that the language of forces (electromagnetism, strong, weak, gravity) does not apply to our everyday experience or to physical descriptions. But only to a point, yes, as maybe counterproductive to deeper understanding. To getting beyond the Standard Model [7]. To understanding how the wave function is… Continue reading A force-less physics?

General · Language · Media

Equal footing in quantum physics

John Healy1 Comment

So, regarding interaction of matter, there’s a major inversion of perspective between classical physics and quantum field theory (QFT): hallmarked particles which create fields vs. excitations created (and destroyed) in ubiquitous extant fields. As Ethan Siegel said: … in quantum field theory, quantum fields aren’t generated by matter. Instead, what we interpret as “matter” is… Continue reading Equal footing in quantum physics

Classical wave packet QFT – How many fields are there?
General · Language

QFT – How many fields are there?

John Healy7 Comments

[“Building a ‘verse” series] Ever since I started reading about Quantum Field Theory (QFT), I was interested in how physicists talk about fields. And the multiplicity of fields. And how quantum fields compare to classical fields. So, as I’ve written elsewhere, the basic notion is that every matter particle is an excitation (or localized vibration)… Continue reading QFT – How many fields are there?

General · Language · Site

Is reality digital or analog?

John Healy5 Comments

While studying physics this past year, I noticed tension between theoretical and experimental physicists, especially between younger quantum field theoreticians and veteran particle physicists — regarding deep reality and the various formulations of quantum mechanics (addressed in another post). Revisiting some archived debates, this philosophical question (“Is reality digital or analog?”) was posed in an essay… Continue reading Is reality digital or analog?

Book · General · Language

Empty dumpty

John Healy14 Comments

[“Models of the quantum vacuum” series] A theoretical physicist walks into a bar. The bartender says, “What can I get you?” The physicist says, “Nothing.” The bartender gives the physicist an empty glass. The physicist says, “Thanks, that’s plenty!” Physicists take emptiness quite seriously. So-called empty space is an important area of study and research.… Continue reading Empty dumpty