Zitterbewegung and the Electron

TL;DR

This paper proposes a light-like, path-based model of the electron rooted in Zitterbewegung, reproducing quantum properties through path-averages and offering an alternative to standard quantum mechanics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, geometrical model of electrons based on helical paths and Zitterbewegung, linking classical paths to quantum behavior without relying on traditional quantum mechanics.

Findings

Reproduces observable quantum properties as path-averages.

Describes electron paths as helices with radii related to the Compton wavelength.

Supports the existence of extended Zitterbewegung as a physical phenomenon.

Abstract

Starting from a statistical model of the electron, which explains spin and spin measurements in terms of a probability density distribution resulting from a rapidly changing angular momentum during an extended Zitterbewegung, a light-like model of electron and Fermions is formulated. This model describes individual particles in terms of paths of a moving quantum. It is shown that this description allows one to reproduce observable properties as path-averages over a period of the fast extended Zitterbewegung in elementary calculations. The general topology of the paths may be described as a helical path, with a helix axis forming a circle around a fixed point in space. The radius of the helix and of the circle are equal and given by half the reduced Compton wave length of a photon of energy equal to the rest energy of the particle described. The paths depend on the relative velocity between the described entity and the observer, and represent the De Broglie wave. The merits of the proposed model are summarized and its role in relation to the established description by quantum mechanics discussed. It is concluded that it supports the existence of the proposed extended Zitterbewegung, and offers a description of quantum behaviour without quantum mechanics.