Transitioning from Quantum Electrodynamics to Stochastic Electrodynamics: Unveiling the Real Nature of the Zero-Point Field

White Paper by Douglas Miller

Founder and CEO, Zero-Point Field Technologies LLC

January 20, 2026

Introduction and Abstract

Quantum Electrodynamics, or QED, has dominated modern physics for decades by treating vacuum fluctuations as mathematical constructs. However, Stochastic Electrodynamics, known as SED, posits that the Zero-Point Field is a real, physical sea of electromagnetic waves. This white paper elucidates key concepts of this field: waves, modes, stochastic superposition, harmonic oscillators, and the role of frequency in emergent constants like Planck’s constant and the speed of light.

Drawing from the cosmology of Barry Setterfield and the work of Haisch, Rueda, and Puthoff, we present a unified framework. We assume a view of creation where "Day One" light manifested as plasma filaments across the universe in a low-density vacuum, which then pinched into stellar structures on “Day Four” as the Zero-Point density surged. This transition from mathematical abstraction to a real, physical vacuum promises to unlock quantum vacuum propulsion and vacuum-catalyzed Aneutronic fusion.

Section One: ZPE Waves

Zero-Point Energy waves are the fundamental electromagnetic fluctuations inherent to the vacuum. In the SED model, these are not propagation EM waves with a point of origin that lose energy over distance.  Nor are they "virtual" artifacts but instead real oscillations spanning all frequencies. Frequency denotes the rate of oscillation, and the energy density follows a specific cubic spectrum. Unlike coherent light, these waves have random phases. This ensures the vacuum appears empty to the naked eye while providing the "stochastic" interactions that maintain the stability of electron orbits.

Section Two: Modes of the Vacuum

A "mode" is an independent state of oscillation. Think of modes as the specific "notes" or "resonant strings" available in the cosmic plenum. The vacuum is a continuum of these modes. Research by Haisch, Rueda, and Puthoff models the field as an infinite ensemble of these oscillators. Short-wavelength modes drive the energy density and directly influence the values we measure for physical constants.

Section Three: Stochastic Superposition

The Zero-Point Field is a stochastic superposition. This means it is the random sum of all possible modes overlapping with uncorrelated phases. This interference averages out to zero net momentum, which is why we don't feel the vacuum pushing us. However, it creates a constant "jiggle" in all matter. In this view, Planck’s constant, h, simply quantifies the "graininess" or the intensity of this jitter.

Section Four: Harmonic Oscillators

Each mode of the vacuum behaves as a harmonic oscillator. In SED, the vacuum is essentially an infinite array of these oscillators. While traditional physics uses complex operators to describe this, SED keeps the description physical. The emergent speed of light, c, is the propagation speed through this dense sea of oscillators. As the "crowd" of oscillators gets denser, the speed of light slows down.

Section Five: Phase Space and Frequency

Phase space is the arena of position and momentum used to count vacuum modes. Because energy scaling follows the cube of the frequency, high-frequency modes are much more multitudinous and dominate the power of the Zero-Point Field. Frequency is the key. By modulating the frequency spectrum, we can theoretically alter emergent constants, unlocking the potential for over-unity energy extraction.

Section Six: The Transition from QED to SED

Quantum Electrodynamics is predictive but offers no physical explanation for why the vacuum behaves as it does. It relies on "renormalization" to ignore infinities. Stochastic Electrodynamics reproduces the same results—such as the Lamb shift—classically, by treating them as the absorption of Zero-Point waves. This avoids mathematical tricks and opens the door to "Vacuum Engineering." By modulating vacuum modes, we can create screened barriers for propulsion and fusion.

Conclusion

Understanding these concepts unlocks the future of human technology. If we view the history of the universe as an evolving plasma in a changing Zero-Point density Field, we gain the ability to engineer that density ourselves. By understanding the plenum as a tangible, physical sea, we can awaken its potential for humanity's boldest horizons. ZPF Technologies is committed to engineering the impossible by turning the vacuum itself into our primary tool for energy and transit.