Between Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity

The origin of elementary particle mass is considered as a function of n-valued graviton quanta. To develop this concept we begin in a cold region of “empty space” comprised of only microscopic gravitons oscillating at angular frequency ω. From opposite directions enters a pair of stray protons. Upon colliding, heat and energy are released. Customarily, this phase and what follows afterward would be described by Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD). Instead, we argue for an intermediary step. One in which neighboring gravitons absorb discrete amounts of plane-wave energy. Captured by the graviton, the planewave becomes a standing wave, whereupon its electromagnetic energy densities are converted into gravitational quanta. Immediately thereafter an elementary particle is formed and emitted, having both mass and spin. From absorption to conversion to emission occurs in less than 3.7 × 10−16 s. During this basic unit of hybrid time, general relativity and quantum physics unite into a common set of physical laws. As additional stray protons collide the process continues. Over eons, vast regions of spacetime become populated with low-mass particles. These we recognize to be dark matter by its effects on large scale structures in the universe. Its counterpart, dark energy, arises when the conversion of gravitational quanta to particle emission is interrupted. This causes the gravitational quanta to be ejected. It is recognized by its large scale effects on the universe.