Planck's Quantum Research Articles

Albert Einstein: Revolutionär oder “Bewahrer des Alten”?

AbstractAlbert Einstein: Revolutionary or “Preserver of the Old”? Usually, Albert Einstein and his contributions to the special and general theory of relativity, to cosmology and to quantum physics are considered as “revolutionary”. However, Einstein himself named only one of the papers published in his annus mirabilis 1905 as “very revolutionary”, namely the paper about the light quantum hypothesis. He neither considered his papers about atomic theory nor the papers about the “Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies” as “revolutionary”. In the special and general theory of relativity Einstein did not see the redemption of Newtonian physics but rather its completion. In cosmology which was started off by Einstein's “Cosmological Considerations” in 1917 he adhered to the assumptions of a static and spherically closed universe which originally were introduced by him. His influence on the quantum theory can hardly be overestimated as he was the first to take Planck's light quantum hypothesis as serious physics. Moreover he introduced the concepts of probability and chance into quantum theory. Nonetheless he remained sceptical about quantum physics since he considered it as an incomplete and preliminary description of physical reality. Taking this into consideration one has to state that Einstein saw himself rather as a “preserver of classical physics” than as a revolutionary.

Objective patterns in the evolving network of non-equivalent observers

The world's objective pattern is formed through consistent histories of quantum measurements originating as different branches of the same wave function. When we come close to the limits of measurement (either by approaching the speed of light or the values of the Planck's quantum), the relational effects come into place and the objectivity of world's pattern melts down. But when we are positioned far from these limits, we live in a comfortable area of the world common to all beings and approximating the objective environment (classical spacetime). Living systems are based on reflective cycles that can interact with relative predictability. Being quantum mechanical observers having different clocks, they generate perpetually evolving fitness landscape. I discuss how the perception of the objective is formed by the generation of same limits of iteration for the processes performed by non-equivalent observers and how the uniform time appears from its counting through these objective processes.

The quantum in chemistry: an experimentalist's view

The quantum in chemistry: an experimentalist's view

Do periodic chemical reactions reveal Fürth's quantum diffusion limit?

The present paper deals with an interesting problem, unresolved for more than 70 years, concerning class of diffusion-controlled periodic chemical reactions, where macroscopically observed diffusion action attains, with appreciable accuracy, the value of Planck's quantum ℏ . Starting from the classical Einstein–von Smoluchowski theory of Brownian movement and making use of a significant fact that classical and quantum Brownian processes are essentially indistinguishable in configuration space, a simple criterion for the accessibility of Fürth's quantum diffusion limit has been formulated. The application of this criterion to experimental data has proved that the quantum nature of a stochastic process controlling these periodic reactions is very likely.

The power of entanglement

Einstein is rightly famed for his revolutionary work on relativity. But he was also one of the founders of quantum physics and in 1905 became the first physicist to apply Max Planck's quantum hypothesis to light. Einstein realized that the quantum picture can be used to describe the photoelectric effect – that only light above a certain frequency can eject electrons from the surface of a metal.Indeed, it was mainly for deriving the law of the photoelectric effect that he was awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize for Physics.

Quantum aspects of self-organized periodic chemical reactions.

It is a remarkable empirical fact, known for a long time, that in certain self-organized periodic chemical reactions, such as Liesegang's or Belousov-Zhabotinsky's reactions, the product of molecular weight of precipitate, precipitation length period, and speed of precipitation is of the order of universal Planck's quantum of action h. Based on the fact that the classical and quantum diffusions are processes, which are indistinguishable in the configuration space, a quantum criterion in terms of diffusion constants has been established. This criterion enables one to find out conditions under which the quantum behavior of self-organized periodic reactions can be observed.

Ultraquantum Dynamics

Segal proposed transquantum commutation relations with two transquantum constants ħ′, ħ″ besides Planck's quantum constant ħ and with a variable i. The Heisenberg quantum algebra is a contraction—in a more general sense than that of Inönü and Wigner—of the Segal transquantum algebra. The usual constant i arises as a vacuum order-parameter in the quantum limit ħ′,ħ″→0. One physical consequence is a discrete spectrum for canonical variables and space-time coordinates. Another is an interconversion of time and energy accompanying space-time meltdown (disorder), with a fundamental conversion factor of some kilograms of energy per second.

Experimental verification of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle for fullerene molecules

The Heisenberg uncertainty principle for material objects is an essential corner stone of quantum mechanics and clearly visualizes the wave nature of matter. Here we report a demonstration of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle for the most massive, complex and hottest single object so far, the fullerene molecule C70 at a temperature of 900 K. We find a good quantitative agreement with the theoretical expectation: dx * dp = h, where dx is the width of the restricting slit, dp is the momentum transfer required to deflect the fullerene to the first interference minimum and h is Planck's quantum of action.

100th anniversary of Planck's quantum theory

100th anniversary of Planck's quantum theory

Action as a dynamic property of the genotype × environment interation implications for biotechnology

AbstractThe action resonance theory (ART), a hypothesis based on a logical extension of EINSTEIN's theory of Brownian movement, suggests that the genotype × environment interaction can be modelled as forceful encounters of the gene‐products of an organism with its environment. This model has implications for molecular and cell biology, morphogenesis, evolutionary development via mutation, the mechanism of natural selection and overall function of ecosystems, extending SCHRÖDINGER's programme for molecular biology. Action, a thermodynamic property with the same physical dimensions as angular momentum and PLANCK's quantum of action, is proposed to be reversibly generated as a result of the molecular exchange of quanta, which become resonant at equilibrium, corresponding to an optimum degree of entropy and action for living systems. Because the theory can potentially predict solutions to unsolved problems such as the folding of proteins it has strong implications for successful genetic modification of organisms and for biotechnology in general; the design of a programme of research to test this theory is proposed. A key element in this research programme, improving productivity and sustainability, would be the need to select genetically modified strains in the ecological environment or niche in which they are required to function.

Development of a unified heat transfer model with special emphasis on thermal conduction

It is postulated that energy fields in space and matter are quantized by an entity having coincident properties of wave and virtual matter. A unified link between thermal radiation and conduction was established as confirmed by Planck's quantum theory, and a unified heat transfer equation was developed. One-dimensional, steady-state thermal conduction was solved by using approximate scatter and mobility models in this equation. Coefficient of thermal conductivity of various materials were calculated and compared with the literature. Even with approximate scatter and mobility models, a good agreement was observed.

Information and gravitation

An information-theoretic approach is shown to derive both the classical weak-field equations and the quantum phenomenon of metric fluctuation within the Planck length. A key result is that the weak-field metric $$\bar h_{\mu \nu } $$ is proportional to a probability amplitude φuv, on quantum fluctuations in four-position. Also derived is the correct form for the Planck quantum length, and the prediction that the cosmological constant is zero. The overall approach utilizes the concept of the Fisher information I acquired in a measurement of the weak-field metric. An associated physical information K is defined as K=I−J, where J is the information that is intrinsic to the physics (stress-energy tensor Tμv) of the measurement scenario. A posited conservation of information change δI=ΔJ implies a variational principle δK=0. The solution is the weak-field equations in the metric $$\bar h_{\mu \nu } $$ and associated equations in the probability amplitudes φuv. The gauge condition φ v uv =0 (Lorentz condition) and conservation of energy and momentum Tv μv=0 are used. A well-known “bootstrapping” argument allows the weak-field assumption to be lifted, resulting in the usual Einstein field equations. A special solution of these is well known to be the geodesic equations of motion of a particle. Thus, the information approach derives the classical field equations and equations of motion, as well as the quantum nature of the probability amplitudes φuv.

Notes on the legacy of the Röntgen rays.

The discovery of the Röntgen rays and the events connected to it are extraordinary in many respects. Röntgen never disclosed the full details of the experiment which led to the discovery on November 8, 1895. He observed the x-rays by chance. Neither he nor any other scientist had an idea that such radiation might exist. However, it needed a Röntgen to make the discovery, an experimenter of his superior capabilities. His achievement was the culmination point of the development of physics as an experimental science in the 19th Century. This development of physics is described in this report in some detail, together with the institutional structure of university physics in Germany and the status of technical achievements at the time of Röntgen. Röntgen was suspicious, if not disdainful, of theoretical physics which slowly had gained in importance and in institutional representation. Thus, Röntgen's famous discovery, possible only to a mind not prejudiced by theoretical considerations or expectations, happened at a point in the history of physics when predominantly theoretical concepts introduced the paradigm change from "classical" to "modern" physics: Maxwell's electromagnetic theory, Planck's quantum hypothesis, and Einstein's relativity principle and explanation of the photo-electric effect. The tremendous speed by which the news of the "new kind of rays" spread around the world and the sensation this news caused launched an intensity of research on x-rays unprecedented in other areas of research and is reflected in a description of the publication history. The traditional working style of the Institute Director Röntgen, the structure of his Institute, his lack of interest in theory, the burden of his sudden fame and other factors made it practically impossible for him to compete with the rapid development and to contribute substantially to the research on x-rays. Even the award of the first Nobel Prize in physics in 1901 did not stimulate him to undertake new research activities. He even succeeded in avoiding presentation of his Nobel Lecture. He took the role of the interested observer, sometimes diverted by priority disputes, mainly with Lenard, or by sensational press reports, and retreated increasingly into final solitude, possibly his answer also to the abundance of honors heaped upon him. The impact of his discovery was, however, enormous. In physics it gave impulses to the discovery of radioactivity, of the identification of the electron, and the development of the model of the atom; and in medicine in its immediate applications in diagnosis and therapy.

Cosmic gamma-ray burst sources: The phenomenon with the smallest angular size in the observable universe

view Abstract Citations (1) References (9) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Cosmic Gamma-Ray Burst Sources: The Phenomenon with the Smallest Angular Size in the Observable Universe Mitrofanov, Igor G. Abstract Among all observable objects of the universe, the sources of Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are those physical bodies which are observed with the smallest angular sizes. Their specific physical properties can be pointed out, provided there is some physical limit for the smallest angle between the different world lines of photons. A new physical assumption is proposed, viz, that the smallest angle exists, and that its value is estimated as the ratio l_e_/l_p_ between the elementary electromagnetic length l_e_ = e^2^/4πɛ_0_mc^2^ = 3 x 10^-13^ cm and the Planck quantum length l_p_ = (Gh/c^3^)^1/2^ = 1.6 x 10^-33^ cm. This assumption is shown to lead directly to the concept of the discrete geometry of the space, i.e., to the concept of a geometry with a finite number of different directions. Analysis of the observations of GRBs could easily prove or disprove this assumption, and appropriate observational tests are proposed below for its verification. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: April 1994 DOI: 10.1086/173913 Bibcode: 1994ApJ...424..546M Keywords: Angles (Geometry); Astronomical Models; Cosmology; Gamma Ray Astronomy; Gamma Ray Bursts; Size (Dimensions); Analytic Geometry; Gamma Ray Observatory; Quantum Mechanics; Astrophysics; COSMOLOGY: THEORY; GAMMA RAYS: BURSTS full text sources ADS |

Quantum theory and the origin of inertia

The inertia of a particle is related to its motion in Minkowski spacetime via Planck's quantum of action; the connection disappears in the macrophysical domain. This suggests that the propagation of matter waves as well as electromagnetic radiation is absolute in the sense that it is independent of the motion of observers. The implications of this hypothesis and its observational consequences are briefly examined.

CHARACTERISTIC ACTIONS h n OF THE UNIVERSE STRUCTURE——THE ANGULAR MOMENTA AND MASSES OF ASTRONOMICAL OBJECTS AND THEIR RELATIONS

From general considerations, we have obtained a series of actions (?)~((n))=(Gm_n~2/e~2)~(n-6/2)(?) which can be regarded as characters of various typical scales n in the universe. Here, (?), G, e and m_a are the Planck quantum of action, gravitational constant, fundamental charge and the effective mass of elementary particles, n is the scale parameter. Based on these actions, we may further get the characteristic angular momentum J~((n))=(?)~((n)) and the characteristic mass M~((n))=((?)~((x))Ca/G)~(1/2) of various astronomical objects which are compatible with observations. We have also found that their relation is J~(n)/(M~((n)))~2=G/Ca, where C is the speed of light in vacuum and a is the fine structure constant.

Ludwig Boltzmann und das Grundlagenproblem der Quantentheorie

Boltzmann's principle is part of classical physics, and one of the corner-stones of Planck's quantum theory. It is shown, why Planck's theory of radiation can be derived from this principle without abandoning classical physics, if due regard is taken of atomism. Finally, there is given an outline of a quantum theory completely based on statistical axioms without any appeal to nonclassical physical principles.

On the physical sense of Planck's quantum and the problem of divergencies

Starting from the hypothesis of a material carrier of the EMF, the Planck formula E = hv is generalized, statistical sense is ascribed to the Planck action quantum, and a general scheme is proposed for removing the divergencies in QFT.

Stimulated effects upon "jarring" of an electron in an external electromagnetic field

Various elementary processes that involve imparting a large momentum to an electron, and which occur in an external laser field, stimulate effects of absorption and emission of quanta of this field. As a rule, the first stage of this process (e.g., perhaps the scattering of the electron, its motion in an inhomogeneous medium, emission or absorption of a light quantum by the electron, the Compton effect, radioactive decay, the photoelectric effect, etc.) occurs in times τ much shorter than the period 2π/ω of the low-frequency motion of the electron caused by the external field. In this case, the second stage (stimulated emission-absorption) does not depend on the physical nature of the first stage, and it is universal for all processes. The problem of stimulated effects of the stated type can be solved for once and for all as a problem of the jarring of the electron in the presence of the external field. In non-relativistic fields (ν/c1), the probability of the stimulated processes is determined by the parameter N~|(ν/c)cδp/ω)|, which denotes the rms number of quanta emitted or abosrbed. In the limiting cases N1 and N1, the problem of jarring is solved classically or quantum-mechanically, respectively. In the Compton effect, where δp=(k1–k2), or in jarring due to emission (or absorption) of a hard photon, when δp=k, the parameter N does not contain the Planck quantum. Hence one can explain the effect of satellites appearing in the emission spectrum from a purely classical standpoint for any N. In addition to the Compton effect, the article treats also stimulated processes in β-decay and in the photoelectric effect occurring in an external laser field.

A theoretical determination of the electronic rest mass

A theoretical relationship for the electron rest mass is derived in terms of the electron charge, Planck's quantum of action, and the speed of light. The basis for this derivation is an assumption that the electron rest mass is entirely electrostatic in origin, combined with the realization that the maximum action density of the world is simply the speed of light. Planck's quantum of action becomes perspicuously associated with an elliptical microspace.