Canonical quantization of elementary fields

Abstract

An inconsistency of quantum field theory, regarding the signs of vacuum energy and vacuum pressure of elementary fields versus non-elementary fields (like e.g. phonon fields), is pointed out. An improved law for the canonical quantization of fields is presented, which is based on the distinction between elementary and non-elementary fields. Remarkably, the improved quantization method removes not only the inconsistency of quantum field theory, but at the same time solves the (old) cosmological constant problem for all fields of the standard model of elementary particles (but not for the hypothetical inflaton fields), without compromising any of the achievements of established quantum field theory.