David Bohm's concept of the implicate order and the quantum field in quantum field theory are related but distinct ideas.
David Bohm's concept of the implicate order is a holistic view of reality, which he proposed as an extension to quantum mechanics. According to Bohm, the implicate order represents an underlying level of reality that is not directly perceivable but gives rise to the manifest, or explicate, order that we experience. In the implicate order, everything is interconnected and enfolded into a unified whole. Bohm suggested that the quantum wave function, which describes the probabilities of different outcomes in quantum mechanics, is a manifestation of this implicate order.
On the other hand, the quantum field in quantum field theory is a mathematical framework used to describe the behavior of quantum particles and their interactions. In quantum field theory, particles are understood as excitations or disturbances in their respective fields. These fields permeate all of space and time, and particles are viewed as localized excitations of these fields. The quantum field describes the fundamental building blocks of matter and their interactions, and it allows for the creation, annihilation, and propagation of particles.
While both concepts involve a fundamental interconnectedness and a deeper underlying reality, they approach the subject from different perspectives. The implicate order is a philosophical and metaphysical concept proposed by Bohm to explain the nature of reality as a whole. It extends beyond the realm of quantum field theory and attempts to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding reality at a fundamental level. In contrast, the quantum field is a mathematical construct within the framework of quantum field theory, specifically focused on describing the behavior of particles and their interactions in a quantum mechanical context.
In summary, the implicate order and the quantum field are related concepts that touch upon the interconnectedness and fundamental nature of reality. However, the implicate order is a broader philosophical concept, while the quantum field is a specific mathematical framework within quantum field theory.