The Electrodynamic Origin of the Wave-Particle Duality

Abstract

A derivation of pilot waves from electrodynamic self-interactions is presented. For this purpose, we abandon the current paradigm that describes electrodynamic bodies as point masses. Beginning with the Liénard-Wiechert potentials, and assuming that inertia has an electromagnetic origin, the equation of motion of a nonlinear time-delayed oscillator is obtained. We analyze the response of the uniform motion of the electromagnetic charged extended particle to small perturbations, showing that very violent oscillations are unleashed as a result. The frequency of these oscillations is intimately related to the zitterbewegung frequency appearing in Dirac's relativistic wave equation. Finally, we compute the self-energy of the particle. Apart from the rest and the kinetic energy, we uncover a new contribution presenting the same fundamental physical constants that appear in the quantum potential.