Metodo

International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Book | Chapter

176724

Ether, the theory of relativity and quantum physics

Eduardo V. Flores

pp. 147-155

Abstract

In this paper we revisit some of the reasons given by Einstein that resulted in his change of mind about the ether from denying to defending its existence. The ether proposed by Einstein we call Einstein's new ether. We consider the potential use of Einstein's new ether in quantum mechanics. The standard model of elementary particles reveals the existence of at least one component of Einstein's new ether. In this work we explore additional properties of Einstein's new ether. In particular, we consider a recent experiment known as the Afshar experiment due to its implications for the wave particle duality paradox. The Afshar experiment is perhaps the first experiment that provides clear evidence that wave and particle aspects of the photon have some sort of physical reality beyond the limits imposed by complementarity. We propose that the physical reality of the wave aspect of the photon has its origin in Einstein's new ether. Here, we report on consequences of the Afshar experiment for Einstein's new ether.

Publication details

Published in:

Petkov Vesselin (2010) Space, time, and spacetime: physical and philosophical implications of Minkowski's unification of space and time. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 147-155

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-13538-5_6

Full citation:

Flores Eduardo V. (2010) „Ether, the theory of relativity and quantum physics“, In: V. Petkov (ed.), Space, time, and spacetime, Dordrecht, Springer, 147–155.