Chronon

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A chronon is a proposed quantum of time, that is, a discrete and indivisible "unit" of time as part of a theory that proposes that time is not continuous. While time is a continuous quantity in standard quantum mechanics, many physicists have suggested that a discrete model of time might work, especially when considering the combination of quantum mechanics with general relativity to produce a theory of quantum gravity.

One such model was introduced by P. Caldirola in 1980.^[1] In Caldirola's model, one chronon corresponds to about 2×10⁻²³ seconds. He claims the chronon has important implications for quantum mechanics, in particular that it allows for a clear answer to the question of whether a free falling charged particle does or does not emit radiation. This model supposedly avoids the difficulties met by Abraham-Lorentz's and Dirac's approaches to the problem, and provides a natural explication of quantum decoherence.

[edit] See also

• Time
• Time in physics
• Quantum mechanics
• Particle physics
• List of particles
• Elementary particle
• Theoretical physics
• Planck time

[edit] References

1. ^ Caldirola, P. (1980). "The introduction of the chronon in the electron theory and a charged lepton mass formula". Lett. Nuovo Cim. 27: 225–228. 

• Farias, Ruy A. H.; Recami, Erasmo (1997-06-27). "Introduction of a Quantum of Time ("chronon"), and its Consequences for Quantum Mechanics". arXiv. Retrieved on 2006-07-31.
• Albanese, Claudio; and Lawi, Stephan (2004). "Time Quantization and q-deformations". Journal of Physics A. 37: 2983–2987. DOI:10.1088/0305-4470/37/8/009. Retrieved on 2006-07-31.