The Vacuum as Physical Infrastructure: Lê Thanh Hảo’s UPT Insight and an Open Call for Scientific Collaboration

This article presents the unique claim “the vacuum as physical infrastructure” in the Unified Postmodern Theory (UPT) proposed by Lê Thanh Hảo. It codifies the core propositions, highlights differences from conventional descriptions, lists testable predictions, and outlines an open research program. Goal: attract researchers across disciplines to evaluate, experiment, and translate UPT’s benefits into societal value.

INTRODUCTION

What if space is not an empty box but an intrinsic field in continuous operation? UPT advances this view: the vacuum is physical infrastructure that both underlies and directly participates in every interaction. This article summarizes the finding, identifies what is new, and offers a verification roadmap so the community can assess the theory efficiently.

I. FIVE KEY NOVELTIES

1) The vacuum is a continuous intrinsic field

Space is a property of the vacuum field rather than an independent backdrop. “Particles” are organized regions of this field [TOU 13–15, 35].

2) Waves are variations of field intensity

Light and other waves are the propagation of intensity variations in the field, without requiring free-standing “particle bullets” moving through emptiness [TOU 42].

3) Propagation speed is local

Propagation speed depends on the local state of the field and its environment, not a global constant fixed under all conditions [TOU 43].

4) Interactions occur at “surface contact”

Physical interactions arise when field variations meet object boundaries. A surface-intensity balance governs transmission, reflection, and absorption [TOU 45].

5) Effective geometry is a tool, not a postulate

The distribution of intensity and its gradient induces an “effective geometry” useful for describing extremal paths, but only as a second-order description in the small-gradient regime. It does not replace the FBK foundation [PMP; validity ε_metric ≲ 0.01].

II. WHY IT MATTERS

- Answers a foundational question: why space appears to affect dynamics. In UPT, the effect stems from the vacuum field itself.

- Unifies language: the same quantities—intensity I and gradient ∇I—describe propagation, refraction, diffraction, and boundary interactions.

- Enables technology: controlling field state may optimize energy transfer, sensing, and optical materials.

III. RAPIDLY TESTABLE PREDICTIONS

A) Two-path interference under different background fields

Prediction: phase shifts depend on the ∇I configuration along each arm, unlike models that enforce a single global propagation speed. Criterion: reproducible differences with significance ≥ 5σ.

B) Propagation through slowly varying media

Prediction: time of flight t_TOF changes with controlled I and ∇I, not reducible to a purely geometric refractive index.

C) Mapping ∇I via effective lenses

Prediction: extremal paths match the effective-geometry projection within the small-gradient limit. Beyond that limit, use the direct FBK description.

IV. AN OPEN RESEARCH PROGRAM

1. “Minimum standard” experimental kit

- Two-arm interferometer with controlled background field.

- Slow intensity gradients with time-of-flight readout.

- Thin-lens arrays to generate known ∇I maps.

Reports should include I(r,t), ∇I, boundary conditions, calibration protocol, and systematics < 1% within ε_metric ≲ 0.01.

2. Data standards and reproducibility

- Do not pre-assign values to k_v, k_φ, k_α. Infer them directly from measurement.

- Release raw data and analysis code in open formats for independent replication.

3. Cross-disciplinary pathways

- Physics and optics: test predictions A–C.

- Materials: engineer boundaries guided by surface-intensity balance.

- Engineering: sense field states and prototype devices.

- Mathematics: specify effective-geometry bounds and convergence of approximations.

V. EXPECTED SOCIAL BENEFITS

- More sensitive, lower-noise sensors through field-state control.

- More efficient energy and information transfer in complex environments.

- A local calibration methodology that reduces reliance on global assumptions.

VI. FAST RESPONSES TO COMMON QUESTIONS

- “What about particle behavior?”—In FBK, a “particle” is an organized field structure. Observed discreteness arises at boundary contact and quantized exchange, consistent with field description.

- “Is the speed invariant?”—UPT states propagation speed is local. Global invariance is a good approximation only when the field is sufficiently uniform.

- “Does this replace geometry?”—No. Effective geometry is a comparative tool with clear applicability limits.

VII. CALL FOR COLLABORATION

UPT invites transparent testing. Research groups, laboratories, and companies can engage by (i) reproducing the minimal experiments; (ii) extending to new parameter regimes; or (iii) applying the framework in sensing and guided transport. All contributions are credited under open-science standards.

APPENDIX: NOTATION AND TECHNICAL HINTS

- I(r,t): field intensity; ∇I: spatial gradient. Φ(r)=4πr²I(r) is conserved in source-free regions [related FOC].

- v_loc = v(I,∇I; environment); Δφ = ∫k_φ(I,∇I)ds; ε_metric controls the error of effective-geometry approximations.

- For publication, tag FBK/UPT sources as [TOU 13–15, 18, 35, 42–45], [PMP/ε_metric], [relevant FOC] for traceability.

VERSION INFO

- Popular-science article for public release

- Compiled: 2025-10-09 17:22

- Reference frame: FBK within UPT by Lê Thanh Hảo

- Academic contact: UPT editorial team