Maxwell's equations as the one-photon quantum equation

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52 Scopus citations

Abstract

Maxwell's equations (the Faraday and Ampère-Maxwell laws) can be presented as a three-component equation in a way similar to the two-component neutrino equation. However, in this case, the electric and magnetic Gauss laws can not be derived from first principles. We have shown how all Maxwell equations can be derived simultaneously from first principles, similar to those which have been used to derive the Dirac relativistic electron equation. We have also shown that equations for massless particles, derived by Dirac in 1936, lead to the same result. The complex wave function, being a linear combination of the electric and magnetic fields, is a locally measurable and well understood quantity. Therefore Maxwell equations should be used as a guideline for proper interpretations of quantum theories.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)291-298
Number of pages8
JournalFoundations of Physics Letters
Volume12
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 1999

Keywords

  • Maxwell's equations
  • Photon
  • Quantum equation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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