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Photon Quantum Mechanics
Margaret Hawton·October 22, 2025
Quantum Physics
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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.