Notes on Photon Duality, the Wave Function and Momentum

Despite the tremendous progress of quantum physics, there is a widespread belief that something is missing in our knowledge. A belief that maybe the answer is not in more abstractions, extra dimensions, or higher mathematics. I suggest we reexamine our foundational assumptions. First off, mechanics – classical or quantum – assumes a reality of existing objects in space bearing properties, including kinetic energy (KE). Fudges to “existing” (being massless or mathematical) and to “space” (e.g., Hilbert) have only taken us so far. I submit that the essence of radiation (the photon) is immaterial occurrence. Why do we force it to obey a model (mechanics) based on existing constituents? Second, I contend that quantum pioneers were too quick to accept – and we have been too lazy/busy to question – the equivalence of photon momentum with rest mass momentum. We actually don’t understand momentum.