This paper proposes a new unified framework for fundamental physics: Source Field Theory. Based on only two core postulates—three-dimensional flat space and the unique electromagnetic field (source field)—this theory defines all elementary particles as closed topological knots of the source field, gravity as the effect of density and tension gradients of the source field, and inertial mass as the topological resistance of knots moving in the source field.Without introducing extra dimensions, additional fundamental interactions, or artificial fitting parameters, this framework provides a unified explanation for core physical issues including elementary particle structure, quantum entanglement, the origin of spin, quantum phenomena, inertial mass, neutron star collapse, black hole horizons, gravitational light deflection, and the speed limit of light.This theory can directly correct the numerical deviations between general relativity and high-precision observations of light deflection and supermassive black hole horizons. It also proves topologically that stable quark stars cannot exist and that there are no intermediate states between neutron stars and black holes, offering a minimalist, intuitive, and experimentally verifiable new framework for fundamental physics.
Jie M. Zhang (2026) studied this question.