Einstein and the Kaluza-Klein particle

TL;DR

This paper explores Einstein's historical efforts with five-dimensional Kaluza-Klein theory, focusing on his quest for non-singular particle solutions and the challenges faced in unifying gravity and electromagnetism.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of Einstein's work on Kaluza-Klein theory, highlighting his search for particle solutions and the reasons for its limitations.

Findings

Einstein studied five-dimensional Kaluza-Klein theory extensively.

He aimed to find non-singular particle solutions within the theory.

The search was ultimately frustrated, especially in the x^5-independent case.

Abstract

In his search for a unified field theory that could undercut quantum mechanics, Einstein considered five dimensional classical Kaluza-Klein theory. He studied this theory most intensively during the years 1938-1943. One of his primary objectives was finding a non-singular particle solution. In the full theory this search got frustrated and in the x^5-independent theory Einstein, together with Pauli, argued it would be impossible to find these structures.