The ‘Failure’ of Quantum Theory at Short Ranges and High Energies

Abstract

IN Dr. Bhabha's letter in NATURE of February 18, reference is made to a breakdown of quantum theory at high energies and short intervals. This seems to be widely interpreted as setting a limit to the validity of our present physical conceptions. Some indeed would associate it with a fundamental discontinuity of structure of space and time. I have no occasion to criticize Dr. Bhabha's letter which, so far as it goes, is opposed to the more extreme interpretations. But I venture to suggest that an unnecessary mystery is being made of what is really an elementary point of relativity theory. In short, we know why the present theory has got into difficulties, and we know what must be taken into account if it is to get out of them.