| Issue |
EPL
Volume 85, Number 2, January 2009
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Article Number | 20003 | |
| Number of page(s) | 5 | |
| Section | General | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1209/0295-5075/85/20003 | |
| Published online | 28 January 2009 | |
Is quantum field theory a genuine quantum theory? Foundational insights on particles and strings
Theoretical Physics Division, Rudjer Bošković Institute - P.O.B. 180, HR-10002 Zagreb, Croatia
Corresponding author: hrvoje@thphys.irb.hr
Received:
1
October
2008
Accepted:
16
December
2008
Practically measurable quantities resulting from quantum field theory are not described by Hermitian operators, contradicting one of the cornerstone axioms of orthodox quantum theory. This could be a sign that some of the axioms of orthodox quantum theory should be reformulated. A non-orthodox reformulation of quantum theory based on integral curves of particle currents is advocated and possible measurable manifestations are discussed. The consistency with particle creation and destruction requires particles to be extended objects, which can be viewed as a new motivation for introducing string theory. Within this reformulation, an indirect low-energy test of string theory is also possible.
PACS: 03.70.+k – Theory of quantized fields / 03.65.Ta – Foundations of quantum mechanics; measurement theory / 11.25.-w – Strings and branes
© EPLA, 2009
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