arXiv subjects

David Hestenes

Publications and source records attributed to David Hestenes.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2020

Quantum Mechanics of the electron particle-clock

Understanding the electron clock and the role of complex numbers in quantum mechanics is grounded in the geometry of spacetime, and best expressed with Spacetime Algebra (STA). The efficiency of STA is demonstrated with coordinate-free applications to both relativistic and non-relativistic QM. Insight into the structure of Dirac theory is provided by a new comprehensive analysis of local observables and conservation laws. This provides the foundation for a comparative analysis of wave and particle models for the hydrogen atom, the workshop where Quantum Mechanics was designed, built and tested.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2020

Zitterbewegung structure in electrons and photons

The Dirac equation is reinterpreted as a constitutive equation for singularities in the electromagnetic vacuum, with the electron as a point singularity on a lightlike toroidal vortex. The diameter of the vortex is a Compton wavelength and its thickness is given by the electron's anomalous magnetic moment. The photon is modeled as an electron-positron pair trapped in a vortex with energy proportional to the photon frequency. The possibility that all elementary particles are composed of similar vortices is discussed.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2008

Gauge Gravity and Electroweak Theory

Reformulation of the Dirac equation in terms of the real Spacetime Algebra (STA) reveals hidden geometric structure, including a geometric role for the unit imaginary as generator of rotations in a spacelike plane. The STA and the real Dirac equation play essential roles in a new Gauge Theory Gravity (GTG) version of General Relativity (GR). Besides clarifying the conceptual foundations of GR and facilitating complex computations, GTG opens up new possibilities for a unified gauge theory of gravity and quantum mechanics, including spacetime geometry of electroweak interactions. The Weinberg-Salam model fits perfectly into this geometric framework, and a promising variant that replaces chiral states with Majorana states is formulated to incorporate zitterbewegung in electron states.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Reading the Electron Clock

If electron zitterbewegung is a real effect, it should generate an electric dipole field oscillating with the zitterbewegung frequency 2mc^2/hbar. The possibility of detecting it as a resonance in electron channeling is analyzed.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2008

Zitterbewegung in Quantum Mechanics -- a research program

Spacetime Algebra (STA) provides unified, matrix-free spinor methods for rotational dynamics in classical theory as well as quantum mechanics. That makes it an ideal tool for studying particle models of zitterbewegung and using them to study zitterbewegung in the Dirac theory. This paper develops a self-contained dynamical model of the electron as a lightlike particle with helical zitterbewegung and electromagnetic interactions. It attributes to the electron an electric dipole moment oscillating with ultrahigh frequency, and the possibility of observing this directly as a resonance in electron channeling is analyzed in detail. A modification of the Dirac equation is suggested to incorporate the oscillating dipole moment. That enables extension of the Dirac equation to incorporate electroweak interactions in a new way.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1997

Partnerships For Physics Teaching Reform -- a crucial role for universities and colleges

To meet National Standards recommended by the National Research Council for high school physics, inservice teachers must be integrated into the physics community. They must be empowered by access to resources of the physics community and by sustained support for their professional development. To that end, university and college physics departments must assume an essential role in establishing and maintaining the necessary local infrastructure. Nevertheless, this can be done within their current systems at negligible cost by forming partnerships with local alliances of inservice teachers. Practical details have been worked out, and working partnerships have been established in several localities. This effort should be extended to a national infrastructure for reform of physics teaching in community colleges as well as in high schools. Most teachers are eager to participate in teaching reform.

physics.ed-ph↗