Stochastic Electrodynamics: The Closest Classical Approximation to Quantum Theory

Stochastic electrodynamics is the classical electrodynamic theory of interacting point charges which includes random classical radiation with a Lorentz-invariant spectrum whose scale is set by Planck’s constant. Here, we give a cursory overview of the basic ideas of stochastic electrodynamics, of the successes of the theory, and of its connections to quantum theory.

On angular momentum and rest mass of the photon

A reconsideration is made on the basic concepts of the individual photon, including its angular momentum (spin) and a possibly existing very small rest mass. In terms of conventional classical theory, as well as of its quantum mechanical counterpart, the results from a so far established Standard Model of an empty vacuum state are not found to be reconcilable with an experimentally relevant photon model. The main properties of such a model would on the other hand become compatible with the results of a recently established revised quantum electrodynamic theory based on a non-zero electric field divergence in the vacuum and a corresponding symmetry breaking of the electromagnetic field.