Abstract

Optical science and engineering have been playing key enabling roles behind the continuous advancement of physics since ancient times. We have to pick up that role again. Recent publications by physicists Smolin [1], “Trouble with Physics”, 2007 & Hossenfelder [2], “Lost in Math”, 2018, are deeply troubling for the future of Physics & our credibility as the gatekeeper of the enabling knowledge of Optical Physics. We will explain how the various erroneous interpretations related to Relativity (e.g. time dilation), to Quantum Mechanics (Superposition Principle) & Astrophysics (Holographic Universe) arise due to the (i) use of non-causal Fourier modes (existing in all space) as tools of nature’s reality and (ii) neglect of Non-Interaction of Waves (NIW). NIW indicates that simple superposition of Fourier modes, in the absence of interacting materials, cannot generate spatio-temporal re-grouping of wave energies. System engineering thinking will be underscored that can constrain our math models to stick to realities. We will present examples on how understanding NIW in optical phenomena can help us bring out causal interpretations and causal models in some of the key branches of Physics.

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