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Photon Quantum Mechanics

Quantum Physics 2026-02-04 v3

Abstract

We second quantize the Fermi Lagrangian in the Lorenz gauge to obtain a covariant theory of photon quantum mechanics. Number density is real so it is interpreted as position probability density. The Hilbert space is the vector space of fields with norm 1 describing physical photons and the Poincare operators are extended to include position to represent observables. A photon continuity equation is derived that describes creation, propagation and annihilation of photons in an optical circuit. The relationship to orthodox quantum mechanics is discussed.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2510.20049,
  title  = {Photon Quantum Mechanics},
  author = {Margaret Hawton},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2510.20049},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

Replacement of Photon Quantum Mechanics and Covariant Photon Current

R2 v1 2026-07-01T07:00:51.980Z