Beyond the Quantum
A Quest for the Origin and Hidden Meaning of Quantum Mechanics
Published on 16. September 2025
Book
Hardback
336 pages
978-0-19-885374-9 (ISBN)
Description
Based on decades of research, this book offers a panoramic rethink of quantum physics, with potentially revolutionary implications for cosmology, quantum gravity, and quantum technology.
Properly understood, 'pilot-wave theory' provides a deeper foundation for quantum mechanics, while also going beyond it. First proposed in the 1920s by French aristocrat and physicist Louis de Broglie, and revived in the 1950s by American physicist David Bohm, the theory posits hidden particle motions we cannot currently see or control. The theory is usually regarded as merely an alternative account of the same physics we already know. In fact, pilot-wave theory implies a wealth of new and radical physics beyond the reach of quantum mechanics.
Pilot-wave theory tells us that quantum physics is a special case of something broader and deeper. In more general 'nonequilibrium' conditions, Einstein's relativity and Heisenberg's uncertainty break down. Superluminal signalling becomes possible, and quantum particles can be clearly seen and controlled. This new physics could have left traces in the early universe, and it might be visible today in radiation from exploding primordial black holes. Harnessing this new physics would have transformative technological implications, in particular for communication, cryptography, and computing.
Drawing intriguing parallels between the present era of quantum physics and past episodes of scientific confusion, this book tells the story of how pilot-wave theory was discovered and abandoned, revived and reconstructed, and how today it can pave the way to a new and radical physics beyond the quantum.
Properly understood, 'pilot-wave theory' provides a deeper foundation for quantum mechanics, while also going beyond it. First proposed in the 1920s by French aristocrat and physicist Louis de Broglie, and revived in the 1950s by American physicist David Bohm, the theory posits hidden particle motions we cannot currently see or control. The theory is usually regarded as merely an alternative account of the same physics we already know. In fact, pilot-wave theory implies a wealth of new and radical physics beyond the reach of quantum mechanics.
Pilot-wave theory tells us that quantum physics is a special case of something broader and deeper. In more general 'nonequilibrium' conditions, Einstein's relativity and Heisenberg's uncertainty break down. Superluminal signalling becomes possible, and quantum particles can be clearly seen and controlled. This new physics could have left traces in the early universe, and it might be visible today in radiation from exploding primordial black holes. Harnessing this new physics would have transformative technological implications, in particular for communication, cryptography, and computing.
Drawing intriguing parallels between the present era of quantum physics and past episodes of scientific confusion, this book tells the story of how pilot-wave theory was discovered and abandoned, revived and reconstructed, and how today it can pave the way to a new and radical physics beyond the quantum.
Reviews / Votes
A fascinating exploration of a beautiful hypothesis about the mysteries of quantum phenomena, by an independent, careful, and courageous thinker * Carlo Rovelli, Aix-Marseille University, author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics and The Order of Time * Written with great clarity and elegance; and with a gift for vivid - but always appropriate and didactically helpful - metaphors * Jeremy Butterfield, Senior Research Fellow, University of Cambridge * This is the best book yet written in this century to understand the great debate now raging among today's physicists and philosophers. On one side stand the antirealists, arguing we must reject the notion that science tells us what is real. Valentini stands as the most important thinker of this century defending the notion that science gives a complete description of physical processes. With crystal clear prose and brilliant pedagogy Valentini guides us along a trip to understand how quantum theory may be saved. * Lee Smolin, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, author of The Trouble with Physics and Einstein's Unfinished Revolution. * a remarkable new book reminds us what a big idea really looks like * New Scientist * This book is unlike any other popular science account of quantum physics in that it will shock you. ... Valentini takes the bull by the horns and addresses the elephant in the room: quantum mechanics is non-local. ... This book should not only be read by non-specialists, but practitioners should also have the courage to face up to the implications it suggests. * Jim Al-Khalili, author of Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed * Valentini's theory reproduces known results, but radically reconstructs much of physics behind the scenes. ...It is either a profound insight or a fantasy. Let experiment decide. * Contemporary Physics * Writing for non-physicists, Valentini does a very good job of explaining pilot-wave theory ... impressively he also gets across the complexities of pilot-wave theory and the kind of experimental evidence needed. * E. Kincanon, CHOICE *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
100 black and white illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 221 mm
Width: 144 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
578 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-885374-9 (9780198853749)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Antony Valentini graduated from Cambridge University and obtained his PhD at the International School for Advanced Studies. He has held research positions at the University of Rome La Sapienza, Imperial College London, and Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. He was Professor of Physics at Clemson University and is an Academic Visitor at Imperial College London. He is co-author of Quantum Theory at the Crossroads (Cambridge University Press, 2009).
Content
Prologue 1: Before the Quantum 2: Seeing the Impossible 3: Origins of Pilot-Wave Theory 4: Transcending Relativity 5: Beyond Quantum Physics 6: A Message from the Beginning of Time 7: Relics from the Early Universe 8: Saved by Gravity 9: Black Holes and the Edge of Physics 10: Beyond Quantum Technology Epilogue