Quantum Mechanics and Complex Numbers Part III

  In Part II of this note, we argued that if one describes a bound particle in a potential in a statistical manner, like classical statistical mechanics, one is led to a complex, periodic space invariant probability, exp(ipx), for a free particle. We showed that exp(ipx) represents a two vector  solution to the vector operated on by a rotation matrix (using cos(px), -sin(px)) set equal to a translation operator 1+delta X d/dx operating on the same vector. 

    In this note, we examine the electromagnetic scenario. The idea of a “wave” describing a photon first emerged with Maxwell and his equations in the 1800s, with interference/diffraction and the speed of light both appearing. It was later found (Einstein and the photoelectric effect) that electromagnetic energy is not spread out all over space like a wave, but is concentrated. Furthermore, if one uses probabilistic ideas to obtain exp(ipx) for a quantum particle, like an electron, which undergoes two slit interference, then why would not two slit interference for photons also be considered in terms of probability? In this note, we examine these ideas.