Wave, Particle, or a Third Possibility?

TL;DR

This paper introduces the Theory of Discrete Extension, an alternative quantum framework that is deterministic, avoids wave-particle duality, and reproduces key quantum phenomena without relying on traditional operator formalism.

Contribution

It proposes a novel, deterministic quantum theory with a well-defined primitive ontology that eliminates wave-particle duality and reproduces quantum effects without standard formalism.

Findings

Reproduces quantized energy levels without eigenvalue postulate

Provides insight into zero-point energy phenomena

Makes testable predictions differing from standard quantum mechanics

Abstract

This paper presents an alternative quantum theory, the Theory of Discrete Extension, which avoids many of the conceptual problems of standard quantum mechanics. It is a deterministic, dynamic collapse theory with a well-defined primitive ontology. In place of the dual, classical concepts of wave and particle, the unitary, non-classical concept of a discretely extended object emerges directly from the theory's dynamic equations as a primitive ontology. Because this ontology is unitary, the theory avoids the dilemmas of wave-particle dualism and complementarity. Furthermore, the theory's dynamic equations generate correct, quasi-discrete values of action increments and energy levels without recourse to the operator formalism and eigenvalue postulate of standard quantum mechanics. Quantization of the harmonic oscillator provides a simple illustration. The theory provides insight into the nature of a number of quantum effects such as the zero-point energy of the harmonic oscillator. It also makes a number of predictions that distinguish it from standard quantum mechanics and from Bohmian mechanics.