Connecting Two Stochastic Theories That Lead to Quantum Mechanics

• Main Authors: Luis de la Peña, Ana María Cetto, Andrea Valdés-Hernández
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2020-05-01
• Series: Frontiers in Physics
• Subjects: stochastic theories; foundations of quantum mechanics; stochastic electrodynamics (SED); stochastic mechanics; quantum fluctuations
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fphy.2020.00162/full

The connection is established between two theories that have developed independently with the aim to describe quantum mechanics as a stochastic process, namely stochastic quantum mechanics (sqm) and stochastic electrodynamics (sed). Important commonalities and complementarities between the two theories are identified, notwithstanding their dissimilar origins and approaches. Further, the dynamical equation of sqm is completed with the radiation terms that are an integral element in sed. The central problem of the transition to the quantum dynamics is addressed, pointing to the key role of diffusion in the emergence of quantization.