The Kinematic Origin of Complex Wave Functions

Summary

ABSTRACT. A reformulation of the Dirac theory reveals that iћ has a geometric meaning relating it to electron spin. This provides the basis for a coherent physical interpretation of the Dirac and Schödinger theories wherein the complex phase factor exp(–iφ / ћ) in the wave function describes electron zitterbewegung, a localized, circular motion generating the electron spin and magnetic moment. Zitterbewegung interactions also generate resonances which may explain quantization, diffraction, and the Pauli principle.

You know, it would be sufficient to really understand the electron.

—Albert Einstein

Introduction

Edwin T. Jaynes is one of the great thinkers of twentieth century science. More than anyone else he has deepened and clarified the role of statistical inference in science and engineering. To my mind, his greatest accomplishment has been to recognize that in the evolution of statistical mechanics the principles of physics had gotten confused with principles of statistical inference, and then to show how the two can be cleanly separated to produce a simpler yet more powerful theoretical system.

I share with Ed Jaynes the belief that quantum mechanics suffers from an analogous muddle of probability with physics, which is at the root of the perennial controversy over physical interpretation.

Though a Jaynesian revolution of the “quantum muddle” remains elusive, I will report here on a promising possibility that has been overlooked.