The Electromagnetic Vacuum Field as an Essential Hidden Ingredient of the Quantum-Mechanical Ontology

This paper provides elements in support of the random zero-point radiation field (zpf) as an essential ontological ingredient needed to explain distinctive properties of quantum-mechanical systems. We show that when an otherwise classical particle is connected to the zpf, a drastic, qualitative change in the dynamics takes place, leading eventually to the quantum dynamics. In particular, we demonstrate that in parallel with the evolution of the canonical variables of the particle into quantum operators satisfying the basic commutator [Formula: see text] , also the field canonical variables are transformed, giving rise to the corresponding creation and annihilation operators [Formula: see text] , satisfying [Formula: see text]. This allows for an explanation of quantum features such as quantum fluctuations, stationary states and transitions, and establishes a natural contact with (nonrelativistic) quantum electrodynamics.