Atmospheric Interaction: The Rebirth of the Aether Concept
Revisiting the Double-Slit Experiment and the Concept of Aether
Double-Slit Experiment & Historical Context for the double-slit experiment, first conducted by Thomas Young in 1801, demonstrated the wave nature of light. When light passes through two closely spaced slits, it creates an interference pattern on a screen, indicating wave-like behaviour
In the quantum mechanical version of the experiment, particles such as electrons also create an interference pattern when not observed, suggesting they travel through both slits simultaneously in a superposition of states. However, when observed, they behave like particles, collapsing to a definite state
**Aether Hypothesis:**
Historically, Aether was hypothesized as a medium filling space through which light waves propagate, similar to ripples on a lake. The null result of the Michelson-Morley experiment (1887) and Einstein's theory of relativity led to the dismissal of the Aether concept in mainstream physics.
If Aether were to exist as an intrinsic energy field, it could be postulated that this field interacts with particles and waves, creating patterns similar to ripples on a lake. This interaction could provide an alternative explanation for the interference pattern observed in the double-slit experiment.
Let’s consider Chemical Energy Storage. Chlorophyll molecules absorb light energy, which excites electrons and leads to the production of ATP and NADPH. These molecules are then used to convert CO₂ into glucose in the Calvin cycle.
If Aether were to exist, it could be hypothesized that the absorption and transfer of light energy in chlorophyll might involve interactions with this intrinsic energy field, influencing the efficiency and mechanisms of photosynthesis.
Likewise in chemistry when we consider vision the photoreceptor cells in the retina absorb light, triggering a cascade of biochemical reactions that convert light signals into electrical impulses for the brain to interpret. In this context of vision, Aether could be theorized to play a role in the initial absorption and conversion of light energy in photoreceptor cells, affecting how light interacts with biological molecules.
This older ancient physics challenges Traditional Quantum Mechanics specifically Superposition. This theory explains the behaviour of particles in the double-slit experiment, where particles are not required to exist in multiple states until observed.
Reintroducing Aether as an intrinsic energy field suggests that particles and waves interact with this field, creating interference patterns similar to ripples on a lake. This perspective could offer an alternative explanation to superposition, aligning with the skepticism about superposition as misunderstood information.
Revisiting the concept of Aether in the context of modern physics and the double-slit experiment provides a unique perspective on the nature of light and particles.
Perhaps we are failing to understand the fundamental principles of physics and reality. superposition remains a cornerstone of traditional quantum mechanics, from a mathematical standpoint. But it is not the reality, and this makes a difference.
By reinterpreting Aether as an intrinsic energy field it offers an intriguing alternative that could bridge historical ideas with contemporary scientific theories. This approach also opens new avenues for understanding the interactions of energy fields in processes like photosynthesis and vision.
Albert Einstein introduced the cosmological constant (Einstein’s Cosmological Constant (1917)) (Λ) into his equations of general relativity to allow for a static universe. When the expansion of the universe was discovered by Edwin Hubble in 1929, Einstein discarded Λ, calling it his "biggest blunder"
Hubble’s Law (1929): Edwin Hubble’s observations showed that distant galaxies are moving away from us, indicating that the universe is expanding. This was initially thought to be decelerating due to gravity. So it’s a Discovery of Universal Expansion???
Supernova Observations (1998): Two independent teams, the Supernova Cosmology Project and the High-Z Supernova Search Team, discovered that distant Type Ia supernovae were fainter than expected, suggesting that the expansion of the universe is accelerating. Accelerated Expansion (Late 1990s)…I wonder if perhaps it’s not expanding per say but rather rippling sort of, it’s like the universe is a crumpled up universe or a giant sheet of paper that’s been crumpled and tossed in the trash. We are in a lucky fold. A lucky position relatively speaking.
Dark energy is proposed to explain the observed acceleration of the universe's expansion. It acts as a repulsive force, counteracting the gravitational pull of matter. But I know this mindset to be wrong so I wonder now about this.
Dark energy makes up approximately 68% of the universe's total energy density, with dark matter accounting for about 27%, and ordinary (baryonic) matter about 5%
The simplest model for dark energy is the cosmological constant, representing a constant energy density filling space homogeneously
The Quintessence is an alternative model where dark energy is dynamic and changes over time. It involves a scalar field that evolves slowly over cosmic time
Some theories suggest that modifications to general relativity on large scales could account for the accelerated expansion without requiring dark energy
Type Ia supernovae serve as standard candles to measure cosmic distances and the rate of expansion. but let’s consider some physics in general.
Take a Photon's Journey from the Sun to the Plant
1st, the Photon Emission from the Sun
Solar Fusion: Photons originate from the Sun's core, where nuclear fusion converts hydrogen into helium, releasing energy in the form of photons. This process occurs under extreme temperatures and pressures, enabling the fusion reactions that power the Sun
These high-energy photons undergo numerous interactions with solar particles, gradually losing energy and transitioning from gamma rays to visible light as they move towards the Sun's surface
As photons enter the Earth's atmosphere, they encounter molecules and particles that scatter and absorb some of the light. This process includes Rayleigh scattering (responsible for the blue sky) and absorption by ozone and water vapour, which filter out harmful UV radiation
When photons strike a plant, they are absorbed by chlorophyll molecules in the chloroplasts. Chlorophyll a and b are the primary pigments involved in capturing light energy, particularly in the blue and red wavelengths, while green light is reflected, giving plants their characteristic colour
Colour perception involves understanding how light interacts with our eyes and brain to produce the sensation of colour.
Light is an electromagnetic wave characterized by its wavelength (distance between wave peaks) and frequency (number of wave cycles per second). These properties determine the color of the light:
- **Violet:** ~380-450 nm
- **Blue:** ~450-495 nm
- **Green:** ~495-570 nm
- **Yellow:** ~570-590 nm
- **Orange:** ~590-620 nm
- **Red:** ~620-700 nm
The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength. Higher frequency photons (shorter wavelengths) have more energy.
The human retina contains cones that are sensitive to different wavelengths of light:
- **S-cones:** Sensitive to short wavelengths (blue).
- **M-cones:** Sensitive to medium wavelengths (green).
- **L-cones:** Sensitive to long wavelengths (red).
- **Color Processing:** The brain processes signals from these cones to create the perception of color.
Chlorophyll is the pigment in plants responsible for absorbing light to power photosynthesis.
There are several types of chlorophyll, with chlorophyll a and b being the most common in higher plants. These pigments absorb light primarily in the blue (~430-450 nm) and red (~640-680 nm) regions of the spectrum and reflect green light, giving plants their characteristic green colour.
The absorbed light energy excites electrons in chlorophyll molecules, which then participate in the light reactions of photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.
In QFT, light is quantized into particles called photons, which are excitations of the electromagnetic field. When photons interact with matter (e.g., human photoreceptors or chlorophyll molecules), they can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted based on their energy and the properties of the matter.
In both human colour perception and chlorophyll function, the absorption of photons leads to the excitation of electrons. This process is governed by quantum mechanics, where electrons move between discrete energy levels. The specific wavelengths absorbed or reflected are determined by the energy differences between these levels.
In chlorophyll, the absorbed energy is used to drive the light reactions of photosynthesis.
In human vision, the absorbed photons trigger a cascade of biochemical reactions in photoreceptor cells, ultimately leading to the perception of colour in the brain.
Both processes involve the absorption of photons, resulting in electron excitation.
The absorbed energy is utilized in different ways—chemical energy storage in photosynthesis and signal transduction in vision.
In photosynthesis, the primary outcome is the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, while in colour perception, the outcome is the creation of visual images and colour discrimination.
The biochemical pathways and cellular structures involved are different. Photosynthesis involves complex protein complexes in chloroplasts, while vision involves photoreceptors and neural processing in the retina and brain.
key is the provided common framework for understanding how photons interact with matter, whether in plant chloroplasts or human eyes. The principles of QFT describe how electromagnetic fields interact with charged particles, governing the processes of light absorption and energy transfer.
Understanding colour and chlorophyll through the lens of quantum field theory helps unify these concepts by explaining the fundamental interactions of light with matter. This integration highlights the similarities and differences in how photons are absorbed and utilized in biological systems, providing a comprehensive view of these processes at the quantum level.
Anyways that aside, the absorbed photons excite electrons in the chlorophyll molecules, raising them to higher energy states. These high-energy electrons are transferred through a series of proteins embedded in the thylakoid membrane, known as the photosystems (PSII and PSI) and the electron transport chain (ETC) .
In PSII, the absorbed light energy is used to split water molecules into oxygen, protons, and electrons (photolysis). The released oxygen is a byproduct, while the electrons replace those excited and transferred by chlorophyll .
The electron transport generates a proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane, driving ATP synthesis via ATP synthase. Additionally, the electrons reduce NADP+ to NADPH, both of which are essential for the Calvin cycle (dark reactions) .
The ATP and NADPH produced in the light reactions power the Calvin cycle, which occurs in the stroma. Here, CO2 is fixed into a stable intermediate (3-phosphoglycerate) by the enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) .
Through a series of reactions, these intermediates are converted into glucose and other carbohydrates, which the plant uses for energy and growth .
While quantum coherence and superposition provide compelling explanations for the efficiency of energy transfer in photosynthesis, alternative interpretations rooted in structural geometry and field interactions offer valuable insights. By considering the precise molecular arrangements and the potential influence of an intrinsic energy field (Aether), we can develop a more nuanced understanding of these biological processes. This interdisciplinary approach bridges classical and quantum perspectives, offering a comprehensive view that challenges traditional reliance on quantum coherence.
Professor Jean-Michel Ménard's team developed a method to confine light within a glucose-coated metasurface, creating hybrid quantum states. These states arise from strong coupling between terahertz (THz) light and glucose molecules, altering the material's physical and chemical properties .
This technique could be used to enhance photosynthetic efficiency by optimizing light absorption and energy transfer processes. By integrating quantum state manipulation into synthetic photosynthetic systems, scientists could improve the stability and efficiency of carbon fixation .
The integration of photosynthesis research and quantum state manipulation offers exciting possibilities for enhancing our understanding and application of these processes. By exploring the interactions of light with organic materials and leveraging quantum mechanics, researchers can maybe develop innovative solutions to improve photosynthetic efficiency, agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and medical diagnostics. This interdisciplinary approach addresses critical global challenges and pushes the boundaries of scientific discovery.
Integrating Photosynthesis and Quantum State Manipulation into a Simple Story for a Child…I’m the child it’s for mental development so children can learn. No swearing scouts honour.
**Story:**
Once upon a time, there was a magical forest where trees and plants could talk to each other. They loved to play a game called "Photosynthesis," where they used sunlight to make their own food and help the air stay clean. These plants were very good at this game, but some smart scientists like Dr. Heather Graven found out that the plants couldn't keep the sunlight’s magic for very long. They would use it quickly and then let it go back into the air.
One day, some other clever scientists, like Professor Jean-Michel Ménard, discovered a new kind of magic. They found a way to trap light inside a special material, just like catching a fairy in a jar! They used a sweet substance called glucose (which is like sugar) and a special light called terahertz (THz) light to make this magic happen. This special light and glucose mixed together to make something called a "quantum state," which had very special powers.
In the magical forest, the trees and plants were curious. They wanted to use this new magic to help them play the Photosynthesis game even better. The scientists thought, "What if we use this new magic to help the plants hold onto the sunlight’s magic for longer?" This way, the plants could clean the air and make their food more efficiently.
So, the scientists worked together and created new tools and tricks to help the plants. They made tiny surfaces that could catch and hold the special light, just like the fairies. They also thought about using this new magic in other ways, like making buildings that could stay cool on hot days and warm on cold nights, using less energy.
In the end, the plants and trees were happier because they could help the forest even more. The scientists were excited too because they discovered that by combining different kinds of magic, they could create wonderful new things to help everyone.
And that’s how the magical forest learned to use both the old magic of Photosynthesis and the new magic of Quantum State Manipulation to make the world a better place.
This story shows how combining knowledge from different areas can lead to amazing new discoveries. By understanding both the way plants use sunlight and how to trap light with new materials, scientists can help improve how we grow food, build homes, and even keep our air clean.
Enhancing Understanding of Photosynthesis and Quantum State Manipulation
A recent study led by Dr. Heather Graven at Imperial College London, published in Science, challenges long-held assumptions about the role of vegetation in long-term carbon sequestration by revealing that plants store carbon for shorter periods than previously thought. This discovery raises questions about the stability of carbon stored in plants and underscores the need for a deeper understanding of photosynthetic processes and carbon dynamics.
It has been widely assumed that plants capture and store carbon in a stable manner, contributing significantly to long-term carbon sequestration. However, Dr. Graven’s study indicates that the carbon is re-released into the atmosphere more quickly, suggesting that the effectiveness of plants as carbon sinks may be overestimated
While above-ground biomass might release carbon rapidly, a significant portion of carbon absorbed by plants is transferred to the soil, where it can remain sequestered for longer periods. This highlights the importance of considering soil carbon dynamics in climate models
In parallel, a study led by Professor Jean-Michel Ménard at the University of Ottawa explores how light can be confined within organic materials to create hybrid quantum states, offering new insights into the interaction between light and matter.
The research demonstrates that by using a glucose-coated metasurface, terahertz (THz) light can be trapped and strongly coupled with glucose molecules. This coupling modifies the physical and chemical properties of the material, potentially leading to new technological applications .
Enhanced Photosynthetic Efficiency
By leveraging quantum coherence, scientists could develop synthetic photosynthetic systems that improve the efficiency of energy transfer, leading to higher rates of carbon fixation and more effective carbon sequestration.
This could result in artificial leaves or enhanced crops that significantly mitigate climate change by capturing more CO2 than natural systems.
Applying metasurface technology to agricultural practices could optimize light absorption for photosynthesis, increasing crop yields and improving carbon sequestration in agricultural land.
Such innovations would enhance food security and sustainability, supporting both economic and environmental goals.
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
The development of materials that can dynamically adjust their thermal properties based on environmental conditions could reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions in buildings.
This would contribute to the creation of climate-resilient urban environments, reducing the overall carbon footprint of cities.
Using strong light-matter coupling in medical diagnostics could lead to the development of non-invasive, rapid diagnostic tools that detect diseases at the molecular level.
Understanding and controlling molecular interactions through quantum state manipulation could result in new therapeutic strategies for various diseases.
The intersection of photosynthesis research and quantum state manipulation presents exciting possibilities for addressing global challenges.
By exploring the assumptions and integrating new findings from both biological and physical sciences, researchers can develop innovative solutions to enhance photosynthetic efficiency, improve agricultural practices, and create climate-resilient infrastructures. These advancements could play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change and improving human well-being.
Citations:
Graven, H. D. et al., “Bomb radiocarbon evidence for strong global carbon uptake and turnover in terrestrial vegetation,” Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adl4443.
Ahmed Jaber et al., “Hybrid architectures for terahertz molecular polaritonics,” Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48764-6.
"Electromagnetic Spectrum" - [NASA Science](https://science.nasa.gov/ems/09_visiblelight)
"Quantum Field Theory" - [Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/quantum-field-theory/)
"How We See Color" - [American Academy of Ophthalmology](https://www.aao.org/eye-health/anatomy/how-we-see-color)
"Photosynthesis" - [Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/science/photosynthesis)
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4. "" - [Xawat](https://www.xawat.com)
