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Updated: May 5, 2026
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A Simple Understanding of Quantum Electrodynamics Using Bohmian Trajectories: Detecting Non-Ontic Photons
Juan José Seoane1, Abdelilah Benali1, Xavier Oriols1
1Departament d'Enginyeria Electrònica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Bohmian mechanics, a deterministic quantum model, can now simulate quantum optics, including photon creation and annihilation. This validates its use for understanding and visualizing quantum electrodynamics phenomena.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Mechanics
- Quantum Optics
- Computational Physics
Background:
- Bohmian mechanics offers a realistic, deterministic interpretation of quantum phenomena.
- Existing literature questions its applicability to phenomena involving photon creation/annihilation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate Bohmian mechanics' capability in modeling quantum optics.
- To validate its pedagogical and computational utility for quantum electrodynamics (QED).
- To clarify measurement in Bohmian mechanics for non-ontic fields.
Main Methods:
- Modeling quantum optics using Bohmian electron trajectories and time-evolving electromagnetic fields.
- Analyzing an experimental scenario of photon partition noise.
- Investigating the emergence of the Born rule within this framework.
Main Results:
- Successfully modeled quantum optics phenomena, including photon behavior, using Bohmian mechanics.
- Demonstrated the emergence of the Born rule in the context of photon partition noise.
- Validated the Bohmian framework for pedagogical and computational applications in QED.
Conclusions:
- Bohmian mechanics provides a viable framework for modeling quantum optics and QED.
- The model clarifies measurement concepts for non-ontic quantum fields.
- This approach enhances understanding and visualization of complex quantum phenomena.
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