As quantum mechanics turns 100 years this year, many are reflecting on its profound influence on technology. Without it, we likely wouldn’t have the gadgets we rely on today, from mobile phones to medical imaging devices. Jacob Wüsthoff Linder, a professor at NTNU’s Department of Physics, is particularly pleased with the recognition of this milestone, noting its importance in understanding our universe and making real-world applications happen.
What’s curious is how the origins of quantum mechanics actually began around 1925. Some might say the groundwork started even earlier in the 20th century, as researchers discovered that energy could be broken down into packets, which they termed quanta. Important names like Max Planck, Albert Einstein, and Niels Bohr contributed to this, but Linder asserts that it’s reasonable to pinpoint 100 years ago as when quantum mechanics truly gained momentum. The advent of the Schrödinger equation marked a significant turning point, paving the way for understanding its principles.
The discoveries stemming from this equation were mind-bending. Traditional views of the universe assume everything behaves predictably. But, as Linder points out, quantum mechanics turns this notion on its head. “We’re used to solid objects like a football, but at the quantum level, particles like electrons exhibit both wave and particle-like properties,” he explains, noting that this duality sparks unexpected outcomes.
Also, unlike classical physics where we can pinpoint a particle’s location and speed with precision, quantum mechanics introduces a degree of uncertainty – a concept famously known as Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. Essentially, if we ascertain where a particle is, it leaves us guessing its speed, and vice versa. This uncertainty has inspired numerous technological advancements over the past century.
First on the list, lasers emerged from these quantum principles. Before lasers, Einstein’s theory of stimulated emission laid the groundwork, though it wasn’t until the 1940s and ‘50s that practical applications began to flourish. By getting electrons in atoms to release energy as light, we see lasers creating intense beams used everywhere today from medical uses to scanning groceries in your local store.
And let’s not overlook transistors, which reshaped technology as we know it. Invented in 1947 and commercialised in the late 1950s, these tiny circuits allow us to control electrical signals and amplify them. Without the principles of quantum mechanics, contemporary gadgets might look like clunky room-sized machines.
MRI machines have also seen revolutionary changes thanks to quantum mechanics. Unlike X-rays, MRIs use the spin property of hydrogen atoms in a magnetic field to create detailed images; it’s a gentler approach to medical imaging.
Then there are LED lights, embodying efficiency. Gone are the days of hot light bulbs; today’s LED lights, made possible by the energy behaviour of electrons, waste minimal heat while providing ample brightness.
Looking ahead, the future of quantum computing is both exciting and uncertain. Major tech players are racing to develop these computers based on quantum mechanics. Linder mentions that while prototypes exist, they are not yet game-changers compared to conventional computers. Nonetheless, he encourages everyone to familiarise themselves with the bizarre and thrilling concepts of quantum mechanics – they might change how we see the world.
Quantum mechanics marks its 100-year anniversary this year, underscoring its crucial role in technological advancements. Key applications include lasers, transistors, MRI machines, and LED lights. As researchers look to the future of quantum computing, the potential remains vast and largely unexplored, promising exciting developments.
In summary, quantum mechanics, now celebrating its centenary, has played a pivotal role in shaping current technologies, highlighting its importance in devices like lasers, transistors, MRIs, and LED lights. This foundational branch of physics, with its profound implications, invites curiosity as we look to the future of computing. With ongoing advances, quantum mechanics promises exciting possibilities yet to unfold.
Original Source: www.sciencenorway.no
