The role of virtual photons in quantum tunneling

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel mechanism involving virtual photons and electron-positron interactions to explain quantum tunneling, offering a new perspective on this fundamental quantum phenomenon.

Contribution

It introduces a new theoretical model based on virtual photon participation to explain quantum tunneling, differing from traditional explanations.

Findings

Suggests virtual photons facilitate tunneling events

Provides a new theoretical framework for quantum tunneling

Potential implications for quantum physics understanding

Abstract

Quantum tunneling, a phenomenon which has no counterpart in classical physics, is the quantum-mechanical process by which a microscopic particle can transition through a potential barrier even when the energy of the incident particle is lower than the height of the potential barrier. In this work, a mechanism based on electron/positron annihilation and creation with the participation of virtual photons is proposed as an alternative to explain quantum tunneling processes.