26 September 2014

Jan Von Delft writes about quantum physics: "Quantum Mechanics the field of physics that deals with interactions on the smallest scale known to man – which is very small indeed. For example, the action of lifting a 1 kg weight one metre off the ground would cost around 10 joules of energy; quantum mechanics works in terms of Planck’s constant, the smallest measurable unit of action, which is roughly 6.626 x 10-34 Js-1. Because of this incomprehensible difference in scale, the laws of physics also differ; uncertainty plays a significant role in quantum interactions, and the distinction between matter and waves is no longer clear. When scientists attempt to study quantum mechanics, therefore, calculations of vast complexity are required". A partnership of researchers based at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany, is combining computational physics and nontrivial mathematics to solve some of quantum physics’ most challenging models. The co-principal investigator of this project is nanophysicist Professor Jan von Delft, who shares details of his career in quantum nanoscience, and the computational cost-saving approaches he has helped devise in this important area. Other key team members are Dr. Andreas Weichselbaum and Prof. Ulrich Schollwöck.
Original Source: International Innovation