  Abstract This paper provides elements in support of the random zero-point
radiation field (zpf) as an essential ontological ingredient needed to explain
distinctive properties of quantum-mechanical systems. We show that when an
otherwise classical particle is connected to the zpf, a drastic, qualitative
change in the dynamics takes place, leading eventually to the quantum dynamics.
In particular, we demonstrate that in parallel with the evolution of the
particle canonical variables into quantum operators satisfying the basic
commutator \left[\hat{x},\hat{p}\right]=i\hbar, also the field canonical
variables are transformed, giving rise to the corresponding creation and
annihilation operators \hat{a}^{\dagger},\hat{a}, satisfying
\left[\hat{a},\hat{a}^{\dagger}\right]=1. This allows for an explanation of
quantum features such as quantum fluctuations, stationary states and
transitions, and establishes a natural contact with (nonrelativistic) quantum
electrodynamics.
