The Quantum Luminiferous Aether

Physics Essays 37, 1 (2024) – D. J. Larson
Author: D. J. Larson
Affiliation: Particle Beam Lasers, Inc., Waxahachie, Texas 75167, USA
Received: 3 September 2023 | Accepted: 2 December 2023 | Published online: 29 December 2023
DOI: 10.4006/0836-1398-37.1.9

Abstract

A solid, two-component, quantum luminiferous aether is proposed to exist. Simple postulates are hypothesized, along with some physical laws and assignments. Derivations then lead to the equations of electrodynamics (Maxwell’s equations and the Lorentz force equation), Newton’s law of universal gravitation, and to two field-masses.

The theory successfully meets the classic tests of general relativity: calculations for the advance of the perihelia, the Shapiro effect, and the gravitational redshift agree with experiment, and the bending of light in gravitational fields is also understood. Gravitational waves are explained, and the first of the field-masses provides an understanding of what is presently known as dark matter. A new approach to analyzing dense objects such as white dwarfs and neutron stars is discussed, and since the theory has no singularity, a replacement for black holes is suggested.

Replacing relativity with an absolute, realist, and physical model returns us to a flat Euclidean space and a separate time. Absolute simultaneity enables understanding of quantum mechanics. The underlying philosophical grounding is discussed.

1. Motivation: Problems in Current Physics

Modern physics faces deep challenges:

• Relativity is a point-like theory in curved 4D space-time → leads to infinities (singularities, infinite densities for finite particles).
• Black holes are infinite singularities.
• Dark matter particles have not been directly detected.
• The cosmological constant is off by many orders of magnitude from theoretical expectations.
• Quantum mechanics and relativity are fundamentally incompatible (EPR paradox, Bell inequalities, Aspect experiments).

Despite enormous successes, these issues remain unsatisfying. The author proposes setting relativity aside and returning to an absolute, realist framework with a physical luminiferous aether.

2. Philosophical Foundation

Starting from Descartes: we can only be certain of our own existence. Physics must begin with an axiom rather than pure positivism (trust only observations). The proposed Fundamental Axiom:

A partially observable reality exists.

This elevates objective reality above observations. Heisenberg uncertainty is accepted as an observational limit, but sub-quantum reality is still asserted to exist and can be modeled.

3. The Aether Hypothesis

The aether is a solid under tension, quantized, and consists of two types:

• Positive aether
• Negative aether

Normally attached (solid block locally), but sufficient energy can detach quanta → identified as electric charge (detached-aether = charge carriers).

Displacements from nominal positions are described by vector fields: P, N (electromagnetic), PG, NG (gravitational).

4. Five Key Postulates

1. Density Postulate: Positive and negative aether densities balance, modified by extrinsic energy (mass/energy).
2. Tension Postulate: Tension proportional to separation/stretching.
3. Flow Postulate: Relative flow between aether types generates force aligned with flow (transverse only for EM).
4. Displacement-Work Postulate: Work done when attached-aether is displaced.
5. Extrinsic-Energy Force-Reduction Postulate: Mass reduces tension/quantum force in opposite aether type.

From these, the paper derives:

• Maxwell’s equations (in Coulomb gauge → full field form)
• Lorentz force law
• Newtonian gravity (low-field limit)
• Modified gravity with two field-masses

5. Gravity and Field-Masses

Gravity arises from extrinsic-energy (mass) reducing aether tension/quantum pressure → outward push on attached-aether → effective attraction between masses.

Two field-masses emerge from the energy stored in aether displacements:

• First field-mass → positive, grows linearly with radius in galactic halos → explains flat rotation curves → dark matter candidate (no new particles needed).
• Second field-mass → negative, quadratic in displacement → becomes significant in ultra-dense objects.

Gravitational waves propagate at c (same aether properties as EM waves).

6. Tests of General Relativity

The theory reproduces:

• Perihelion advance (numerical integration matches observations well)
• Gravitational redshift
• Light bending (×2 Newtonian value via flow speculation)
• Shapiro time delay

7. Dense Objects and Black Hole Replacement

No singularities → no black holes. Instead:

• White dwarfs and neutron stars modeled via local cubic quantum wells + hydrostatic equilibrium.
• Negative second field-mass grows dramatically at high density → cancels much of the positive mass → limits maximum net mass (fits observations better with saturation effects).
• Supermassive objects (Sgr A*, TON 618) explained as ultra-dense neutron-star-like objects with huge negative field-mass compensation.

8. Philosophical & Conceptual Return

The model restores:

• Flat Euclidean 3D space + absolute time
• Absolute simultaneity → allows instantaneous quantum collapse (resolves EPR/Bell issues)
• Physical realism: light = transverse aether waves, charge = detached aether, static E-field = longitudinal aether separation, etc.

Many "mysteries" become understandable mechanical phenomena of the quantum solid aether.

Closing Remark

This work offers a unified physical (not merely mathematical) picture of electromagnetism, gravity, and dark matter — without singularities or new undetected particles — while preserving all major experimental successes of relativity and quantum mechanics.

For the full rigorous derivation (272 pages in supplemental version), see the author's site: larsonism.com.