Dirac's Quantum Phase Problem

TL;DR

This paper addresses Dirac's longstanding quantum phase problem by demonstrating that including polarization resolves the inconsistency, offering new insights into quantum measurement of time.

Contribution

It introduces polarization as a key factor in resolving the quantum phase problem, paralleling Dirac's electron theory development.

Findings

Inclusion of polarization resolves the quantum phase inconsistency.

Provides new perspective on quantum measurement of time.

Connects phase problem resolution to Dirac's electron theory.

Abstract

In 1927 the great physicist Paul A. M. Dirac failed to provide a consistent quantum description of the phase of a radiation field. Only one year later, he developed the famous Dirac theory of the electron, which led to the anti-particle -- the positron. We show that the reason for Dirac's failure with the phase problem bears a striking resemblance to his ingenious insight into the nature of the electron. For a correct quantum description of the phase of a radiation field it is necessary to take the polarisation into account. Similarly to the introduction of the anti-particle of the electron, the inclusion of the second polarisation resolves the inconsistency of the quantum phase problem. This also leads to new insight into the quantum measurement problem of time.