Force can exist as a fundamental quantum observable with deep ploughing consequence to quantum measurement theory, study finds
For nearly a century, quantum mechanics has treated energy as the fundamental generator of dynamics through the iconic Schrodinger equation, while force remained a derived quantity.
New peer-reviewed research published in Europhysics Letters shows that when force is elevated to a fundamental quantum observable—on equal footing with energy and momentum—a new force wave equation emerges (see image above and IMAGE DESCRIPTION below), capable of modeling open-system dynamics and respecting Ehrenfest's results in the conservative limits while preserving the core principles of linearity and unitarity.
This may open a new direction for quantum mechanics—where dynamics are governed not only by energy, but by force itself.
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: The image above represents the case of a free quantum particle (zero potential energy) influenced by impressed forces.
(A conceptually rigorous validation of the discovery of force as a fundamental quantum observable - https://doi.org/10.1209/0295-5075/ae5ad3.)