[Paper Review] The Macroscopic Quantum Effect in Nonlinear Oscillating Systems: a Possible Bridge between Classical and Quantum Physics

Danil Doubochinski, Jonathan Tennenbaum|ArXiv.org|Nov 30, 2007

Mechanical and Optical Resonators6 references3 citations

TL;DR

This paper proposes that macroscopic quantum effects (MQE) in nonlinear oscillating systems—driven by phase-dependent, argumental interactions—could unify classical and quantum physics by replacing the Newtonian concept of force with a new framework of physical interaction. The key contribution is the identification of amplitude quantization in coupled nonlinear systems as a potential bridge between macroscopic and quantum phenomena.

ABSTRACT

Einstein, De Broglie and others hoped that the schism between classical and quantum physics might one day be overcome by a theory taking into account the essential nonlinearity of elementary physical processes. However, neither their attempts, nor subsequent ones were able to supply a unifying principle that could serve as a starting-point for a coherent understanding of both microphysical and macroscopic phenomena. In the late 1960s the phenomenon of amplitude quantization, or Macroscopic Quantum Effect (MQE), was discovered in a class of nonlinear oscillating systems in which two or more subsystems are coupled to each other by interactions having a specific phase-dependent character -- so-called argumental interactions. Experimental and theoretical studies of the MQE, carried out up to the present time, suggest the possibility of a new conceptual framework for physics, which would provide a bridge between classical and quantum physics, replacing the Newtonian notion of "force" by a new conception of physical interaction. The present paper presents a brief introduction to the MQE and some ideas about its possible significance in the search for new approaches to the understanding of quantum phenomena.

Motivation & Objective

• To explore the possibility of unifying classical and quantum physics through nonlinear oscillating systems exhibiting macroscopic quantum effects.
• To investigate how phase-dependent (argumental) interactions in coupled systems lead to amplitude quantization.
• To propose that MQE offers a conceptual framework replacing the classical notion of force with a new physical interaction model.
• To provide a theoretical foundation for understanding quantum phenomena through macroscopic, nonlinear dynamics.
• To stimulate new approaches to quantum foundations by reinterpreting quantum behavior as emergent from nonlinear, macroscopic systems.

Proposed method

• Analyzes nonlinear oscillating systems with two or more subsystems coupled via phase-dependent (argumental) interactions.
• Applies theoretical models of amplitude quantization observed in systems such as Josephson junctions and nonlinear pendulums.
• Uses the concept of argumental interaction to describe energy exchange mechanisms that differ fundamentally from classical force-based models.
• Draws analogies between observed MQE in macroscopic systems and quantum phenomena like wavefunction collapse and discrete energy levels.
• Formulates a conceptual framework where physical interaction is defined by phase coherence rather than force fields.
• Reviews experimental and theoretical evidence from nonlinear systems to support the existence and significance of MQE.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Can macroscopic quantum effects in nonlinear oscillating systems provide a unifying framework between classical and quantum physics?
• RQ2 How do phase-dependent (argumental) interactions in coupled nonlinear systems lead to amplitude quantization?
• RQ3 What is the role of nonlinearity in generating quantum-like behavior in macroscopic systems?
• RQ4 In what ways can the concept of force be replaced by a new interaction model based on phase coherence?
• RQ5 How does MQE challenge or extend the traditional interpretation of quantum phenomena?

Key findings

• Amplitude quantization—termed Macroscopic Quantum Effect (MQE)—has been observed in nonlinear oscillating systems with argumental interactions.
• The MQE arises from specific phase-dependent coupling between subsystems, leading to discrete energy levels in macroscopic systems.
• Experimental and theoretical studies of MQE suggest a coherent physical framework that spans both macroscopic and quantum phenomena.
• The phenomenon challenges the classical Newtonian model of force, suggesting a new conception of physical interaction based on phase coherence.
• MQE provides a potential pathway to unify classical and quantum physics through nonlinear dynamics and non-Newtonian interaction mechanisms.
• The results support the idea that quantum-like behavior may emerge naturally in macroscopic nonlinear systems without requiring fundamental postulates of quantum mechanics.