From Photons to Atoms

Motivated by a revision of the classical equations of electromagnetism that allow for the inclusion of solitary waves in the solution space, the material collected in this book examines the consequences of adopting the modified model in the description of atomic structures. The possibility of handling 'photons' in a deterministic way indeed gives a chance to review the foundations of quantum physics. Atoms and molecules are described as aggregations of nuclei and electrons joined through organized photon layers resonating at various frequencies, explaining how matter can absorb or emit light quanta. Some established viewpoints are subverted, offering an alternative scenario. The analysis seeks to provide an answer to many technical problems in physical chemistry and, at the same time, to raise epistemological questions.
Contents: The World of Photons:Why Improve the Theory of Electromagnetism?Photon's StructureA Closer Look at the ModelConnections with Special RelativityThe Geometry of Space-TimeThe Geometry of a Single PhotonConstrained WavesVortex RingsThe Subatomic Environment:ElectronsMore on the Electron StructureAntimatterProtonsNucleiMass and GravitationThe Constituents of Matter:The Hydrogen AtomPhoton EmissionThe Structure of MatterIn and Around MatterQuantum Properties of MatterMore on Quantum Properties of MatterImplications on Biological SystemsThe Birth of an IdeaAppendices
Readership: Graduate students and researchers interested in exploring and learning about alternative approaches to old and new problems in theoretical physics.Electromagnetism;Partial Differential Equations; Photons;Model of the Electron;General Relativity;Particle Physics;Quantum Mechanics;Atomic Structure;Molecules;Zero-Point Energy Key Features:Provides alternative tracks in the search for answers to old and new problems in theoretical physicsStimulates the possible revision of the themes involving particle-wave duality and the basic principles of quantum mechanics thorugh handling photons classifically