Wave–Particle Duality as Boundary-Sensitive Manifestation on an Unobservable Background: A Minimal Ontological Framework
Abstract
This work proposes a minimal ontological framework for interpreting wave–particle duality as a boundary-sensitive manifestation of quantum phenomena on an underlying, physically real but unobservable background. Rather than treating wave-like and particle-like behaviors as competing physical entities, the framework interprets them as distinct modes of manifestation determined by global boundary conditions. Motivated by interference experiments such as the double-slit setup, the study argues that experimental outcomes depend on boundary-induced modifications of a background structure beyond the local particle path. Within this view, wave-like interference corresponds to a nonlocal manifestation shaped by boundary conditions, while particle-like detection corresponds to localized manifestation events at measurement. The proposed interpretation preserves the standard quantum formalism while offering a realist, boundary-centered conceptual perspective that avoids observer-dependent collapse or multi-path particle propagation. The manuscript is provided as a preprint to invite open scientific discussion and critical evaluation.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Noncommutative and Quantum Gravity Theories
Philosophy and History of Science
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 30 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Preprint