Remarks on the Possibility of Quantum Electrodynamics without Potentials

Abstract

In this article, we reply to a suggestion of DeWitt for formulating a nonlocal quantum electrodynamics without potentials, showing that his proposal is not a real elimination of potentials, but only a substitution with the aid of which the essential role of potentials is somewhat obscured. Thus, we are not led to change our conclusion that potentials are significant in the formulation of quantum electrodynamics. We do, however, discuss some of the conditions that would have to be satisfied by an essentially nonlocal electrodynamics, and show that such a theory, if it could be developed, would very probably bring about profound modifications in the forms of the laws of quantum mechanics.