The fine-structure constant as a velocity factor of two wave propagations in the vacuum: light and quantum tunneling

Could there be a characteristic wave in the vacuum that accounts for all electromagnetic quantum tunneling phenomena? The main goal of this paper is to explore the algebraic expression of the fine-structure constant when expressed as an impedance ratio. Then, apply the unit of the Ohm as an absolute velocity standard of measurement to reinterpret the fine-structure constant. A simple calculation converts the von Klitzing constant into an equivalent velocity by applying a method devised by Maxwell (1868). Maxwell’s method employed a calibrated 1-ohm standard, which was experimentally determined in 1863 to be equivalent to an absolute velocity measured in meters per second. A conversion method that transforms the fine-structure constant into a ratio of two fundamental velocities in vacuum. From this analysis, it is proposed, that there may be two forms of wave propagation in the vacuum: light and quantum tunneling. Abstract — The vacuum may support two distinct forms of wave transmission: a light photon mode and a quantum tunneling mode, each interacting with the vacuum through significantly different wave characteristics. A hypothetical velocity of approximately 68.5 times the speed of light is derived for this quantum tunneling mode based on an analysis involving both the fine-structure constant α and the von Klitzing constant RK. An analysis suggests that the fine-structure constant is a velocity factor, a simple ratio of two fundamental velocities supported by the vacuum, and that RK may actually represent the measurement of the tunneling impedance. The type of wave propagation mode then becomes a factor, which may depend upon how the wave is generated. For light transmission, the vacuum impedance is Z0 ≈ 377 Ohms. However, for quantum tunneling, the vacuum impedance is inferred to be equal to the von Klitzing constant, RK ≈ 25,813 Ohms. This new interpretation is found by examining the fine-structure constant as the ratio of two impedance magnitudes: α = Z0/(2RK). Furthermore, by applying a method developed by Maxwell (1868), a resistance standard equivalent to an absolute velocity can transform α into a velocity factor expressed as the ratio of two velocities: α = c/(2vK). This velocity, which exceeds the speed of light, has also been confirmed in peer-reviewed literature using methods different from that of the authors. A new equivalent expression for Sommerfeld’s formula for the atomic unit of velocity is identified.