Pattern Field Theory

In Pattern Field Theory (PFT™), the traditional speed-of-light symbol c is the operational projection of a deeper structural invariant: Φλ (Phi Lambda). Φλ is the constant rate at which coherent phase resolves along a π-structured axis on the Allen Orbital Lattice (AOL). What instruments measure as “speed” (c) is the flat-lattice, detector-projected readout of this geometric conversion.

Why move beyond a velocity view of light?

• Ontology: In PFT, light is not a pellet in flight but a recurring curvature instruction of the field.
• Mechanism: Propagation is dimensional conversion (2D → 3D → 2D …), not transit through emptiness.
• Invariance: The empirical constancy of c follows from the invariance of Φλ under coherence-preserving conversions.

Definition (PFT formal reading)

Φλ := Δφ / τ_π
// Δφ  = phase rotation per coherence cycle on a π-axis
// τ_π = local π-axis resonance interval set by the lattice

Φλ is a conversion rate (phase per resonance interval), not a kinematic velocity. When projected into spacetime coordinates by a detector, Φλ yields the familiar c. Thus:

Relation to ΛΦ coupling

PFT models vacuum release (Λ) and curvature fold (Φ) as a duplex. The coherence constant arises from their reciprocal correction. In that language, Φλ is the internal conversion invariant whose external projection is c.

• Internal: Φλ — lattice conversion invariant (phase per π-interval).
• External: c — measured propagation constant (distance per time).

Key properties of Φλ

• Non-kinematic: Encodes how fast geometry can re-form coherently, not how fast a particle travels.
• Geometry-bound: Tied to π-axes on the AOL; invariant under coherence-preserving transformations.
• Empirical alignment: Predicts and preserves the observed invariance of c.
• Robust under curvature: Gravitational refraction changes the path, not Φλ; detectors still read a constant c.

Consequences

• Redshift: Interpretable as coherence-path translation and lattice instruction lengthening (not energy “loss”).
• Photon ontology: “Photon” = stabilized curvature event; quantization appears at the field–matter interface.
• Limits: The so-called speed limit is a coherence limit; exceeding it would break pattern continuity (decoherence, not superluminal travel).

Compatibility notes

• Lorentz invariance: Preserved observationally; PFT explains its origin via Φλ invariance.
• Gravitational lensing: Bending is lattice path reprogramming; Φλ remains constant while routes curve.
• PPC (Parasitic Phase Conversion): PPC damages phase integrity of the instruction chain without altering Φλ itself.

Summary

Φλ is the underlying constant of light in Pattern Field Theory. It governs how coherent phase converts along π-axes on the lattice. The laboratory constant c is its spacetime projection in ordinary measurement contexts. Recognizing Φλ clarifies why c is universally constant, why light “bends” without changing its propagation constant, and why detections are quantized even as the field remains continuous.

Related reading

• Speed of Light – ΛΦ Coupling
• Light in Pattern Field Theory™
• Parasitic Phase Conversion (PPC)