What Is the "Hydrogen Bond"? A QFT-QED Perspective

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• The traditional view of hydrogen bonds (HB) as simple electrostatic interactions is limited.
• A Quantum Electro-Dynamic (QED) perspective offers a more comprehensive understanding of condensed matter.
• Water's unique properties necessitate a re-evaluation of its fundamental interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reframe the nature of the hydrogen bond (HB) using a non-approximated Quantum Electro-Dynamic (QED) view.
• To explain the anomalous behaviors of water by considering its condensed matter properties.
• To advocate for a transition to Quantum Field Theory (QFT) for a more accurate description of water and living systems.

Main Methods:

• Application of a 40-year-old Quantum Electro-Dynamic (QED) theoretical background.
• Modeling water as a two-fluid system, including a coherent phase.
• Analysis of the electromagnetic field gradient within the coherent phase of water.

Main Results:

• Hydrogen bonds (HB) are reinterpreted as the result of electromagnetic field gradients in water's coherent phase.
• This perspective explains water's collective thermodynamic tendency to occupy a lower ground state.
• The varying energy of hydrogen bonds in different states (dimer, liquid, ice) is accounted for.

Conclusions:

• The traditional "dipolar force" model of hydrogen bonds is insufficient.
• Water's liquid phase at room temperature is a consequence of boson condensation and spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB).
• A Quantum Field Theory (QFT) approach, or second quantization, is essential for a realistic description of water and condensed matter.