Zero Point Energy Effects on Quantum Electrodynamics

Abstract

The vacuum is not a state of empty space, but is populated by electromagnetic fluctuations at a lowest nonzero level, the Zero Point Energy (ZPE). As distinguished from conventional theories, such as that of the Standard Model, the present revised quantum electrodynamic theory (RQED) includes the ZPE in its field equations. This leads to new results far beyond those obtained from conventional theories such as those by Dirac and Higgs. Thus, the present theory results in massive elementary particles from the beginning, being independent of the theory by Higgs. This paper describes the background and results of RQED, summarizing the weak points of conventional theories, the unification of included fundamental concepts, the present basic field equations, new obtained results, and special points of experimental support. In other words, the new points stressed in this paper are in particular the relation between a nonzero electric field divergence in the vacuum and the ZPE, and a number of new experimentally supported results due to a nonzero ZPE energy density in the same state.