Relativistic quantum mechanics over stochastic phase space

Stochastic quantum mechanics is a quantum theory in which the basic limitations of real-world measuring instruments, due to their intrinsically quantum nature, are taken into account. Among other things this leads to a new operational definition of space-time, called quantum space-time. Fundamental to this approach is the formulation of quantum mechanics over phase space rather than just over position or momentum space. A concept of extended particle is a natural outgrowth of this development. Gauge and internal symmetry have a natural place within the theory, and preliminary computations combining some old ideas due to Born with more recent ideas on symmetry breaking suggest that the theory could lead to a mass formula compatible with known data on the low-lying baryons. (author)