1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 511 Reconstructing Quantum Theory At Dawn! The only two observable quantities in quantum theory! Shocking everyone!

In early June 1922, Ridgway entered Austria from Munich, Germany.

He communicated with Austrian psychologist Freud, and the two discussed the psychological problems caused by the war.

Ridgway spoke highly of Freud's psychoanalytic theory.

“He was a trailblazer in thought, trying to think about human nature in a new way.”

Floyd publicly stated:

“Although I have spent my entire life studying the human spirit, I feel so insignificant in relation to Professor Bruce.”

"His spiritual realm is as vast and boundless as the universe, but unlike the universe, it is not cold and desolate, but full of light and heat."

"The first time I saw him, I knew that there were definitely things in this world that could not be explained by science."

"Of course, Professor Bruce refuted my point."

Then, Ridgway left Austria and passed through Hungary, where he was warmly received by the Hungarian scientific community.

When he was giving a speech at the University of Budapest, a mathematics student asked the following question:
"Hello, Professor Bruce, my name is von Neumann."

“Do you think the various theories in physics are discoveries or inventions?”

Upon hearing this, Li Qiwei looked at von Neumann meaningfully and replied:
“I think it can be considered from two perspectives.”

"For humans, physical theories are inventions."

"For the universe, physical theories are discoveries."

"Because physics is a means and method for humans to observe the universe."

“Like Maxwell’s equations.”

"Before this, we had no means to unify electromagnetic light and study their commonalities."

“So, this is an invention.”

"But even without Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves in the universe will still exist according to this law, and their behavior is fixed."

"Maxwell's equations just happen to describe this phenomenon."

“So, from a cosmic perspective, it’s a discovery.”

Li Qiwei's answer won applause.

Finally, he suddenly added with a smile:
"Von Neumann, who just asked the question, is very good."

After hearing this, von Neumann blushed instantly.

Being praised by Professor Bruce is both an honor and a pressure.

At this time, some students below started to make a noise:
"Professor Bruce, von Neumann is our famous little mathematician in Hungary."

Laughter broke out in the venue.

In mid-June, after visiting Czechoslovakia, Ridgway came to Poland.

His arrival caused the entire Polish scientific community to go wild.

This is the hometown of the great astronomer Copernicus and also the homeland of Madame Curie.

Ridgway visited Copernicus's former residence and breathed the breath of this great prophet.

The other party defended the sanctity of science with his life.

Ridgway was invited to give a lecture on astronomy at Jagiellonian University, Copernicus' alma mater.

He concluded by saying:
"From heliocentrism to the island universe theory, and then to the expansion of the universe, human beings' understanding of the starry sky has been deepening."

“The human mind also expands, infinitely broad.”

"If there is a science that can ennoble the soul and free it from the filth of time, it must be astronomy."

At the end of June, Ridgway crossed the Baltic Sea and entered Denmark from Poland.

At the invitation of Bohr, he came to the Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of Copenhagen to give lectures.

Bohr, who is 37 years old this year, has become a steady and handsome uncle.

But in front of Li Qiwei, he still maintained his studious nature as a student.

"Professor, the theory you presented at the Roman Astronomical Congress was really brilliant."

"I never thought that quantum theory could be applied to the evolution of stars."

As the founder of quantum theory, Bohr often traveled to various countries to give lectures and promote his theories.

But the quantum theory he talked about was basically only related to physics, and occasionally involved chemistry.

However, Professor Bruce was the first to apply quantum theory to the field of astronomy.

And it was a huge success.

This greatly expands the scope of application of quantum theory, and at the same time proves the reliability of quantum theory in disguise.

This made Bohr extremely happy.

According to the latest ranking of the top ten research fields in physics released by Nature, quantum theory ranks first!
The hottest theory now is quantum theory.

It has so much connotation.

Even biologists have begun to use knowledge of quantum theory to study the characteristics of living organisms.

The concept of quantum has only been around for more than 20 years, but it has already penetrated into all aspects of science.

Bohr’s greatest hope now is to find out what the future of quantum theory will be.

So he continued to ask curiously:
"Professor, have you made any progress in your research on the reconstruction of quantum theory?"

Li Qiwei smiled slightly when he heard this.

"It should be soon."

"You will soon find that quantum theory has just begun!"

Wow!
Bohr was shocked when he heard this!

Although he knows that the current quantum theory still has some flaws.

Even he had heard Professor Bruce want to reconstruct the theory more than once.

But it would be a bit of an exaggeration to say that quantum theory is just getting started.

Even with Bohr's great concentration, he couldn't help but get excited.

He envisioned:

"What kind of theory would that be?"

In July, Ridgway ended his journey and returned to the UK from Denmark.

Next, he will complete his last big thing in Europe.
-
August 1922, 8, Quantum Institute.

Pauli was very happy today because his favorite junior, Heisenberg, also came to work in the institute.

Just a few days ago, Heisenberg successfully passed the interview and officially became a postdoctoral fellow at the Quantum Institute.

The concept of postdoctoral fellow appeared decades ago.

It is not a degree or academic qualification above a PhD, but rather a kind of work experience specifically prepared for those who have just graduated with a PhD.

Postdoctoral fellows can conduct research independently and are considered researchers rather than students.

Although Heisenberg was hailed as a genius, he was not like Pauli, who made achievements that shocked the academic world during his doctoral studies.

So, he needs this transition period as a postdoctoral fellow.

However, Heisenberg himself did not care much about this. Being able to work in the Quantum Institute was his greatest happiness.

Heisenberg's arrival made Pauli feel at home.

Because he had offended everyone else in the institute.

In this world, only Heisenberg will never despise him.

So, Pauli wanted to stand up for his younger brother.

"Heisenberg, I heard that Professor Wayne gave you a hard time during your doctoral defense?"

"That old stubborn man, wait and see how I'll settle accounts with him when I get back."

After hearing this, Heisenberg felt warm in his heart and said with a smile:

"Brother, Professor Wayne is right. He enlightened me."

"I really should focus on accumulating the breadth of knowledge."

"It is because Professor Bruce draws on the strengths of many disciplines that he was able to integrate astronomy, atomic science, quantum theory, and relativity."

“He is my role model.”

Pauli waved his hands and said arrogantly:
"Of course Professor Bruce is right."

"But don't listen to Professor Wayne's nonsense."

"Old-fashioned thinking is outdated."

"What does he know about modern physics?"

"Professor Bruce has never done an experiment, and he still suppresses everything."

"When you make achievements in the field of quantum theory, you will surpass Professor Wien in a matter of minutes." Heisenberg could only smile bitterly. He did not dare to make such sharp comments on a physics Nobel Prize winner like Pauli.

But he knew that Pauli was not disrespectful to others, but was only concerned about their academic achievements and ideas.

However, Heisenberg did not refute the other party's last sentence in his heart.

He has been holding his breath!

At this time, Pauli hugged Heisenberg and said with a smile:

"Come on, I'll formally introduce you to the people in the institute."

"Although you have been here before, you only visited briefly that time."

Next, Heisenberg finally understood why Brother Pauli missed him so much.

"What does Mr. Xue say?"

“He knows a lot about many areas.”

"He talks about radioactivity, atomic theory, quantum theory, relativity, etc., and he talks about them very clearly."

"But his research results are all insignificant."

"So until now, he has no reputation in the physics community."

“Because there is a lack of conclusive results.”

"That's why I said Professor Wayne was wrong. Ten birds in the bush are worth a bird in the hand."

"A great physicist must have special skills."

"But, hey, Mr. Xue also has his own specialties."

Heisenberg didn't understand why his senior brother was laughing so obscenely.

He is as innocent as a rookie soldier.

"Sister Na, you know, Marie Curie's daughter."

"But she has a very strong temper, not at all as gentle and delicate as Marie Curie."

"Besides, she is an experiment enthusiast and the most hardworking person in the institute."

"."

Heisenberg walked and listened, his legs shaking.

"Brother, you dare to say it, but I dare not listen."

Soon, the two arrived in the meeting room.

Today is the monthly discussion meeting of the Quantum Institute.

All staff in the institute will participate and share their research experiences.

This kind of discussion is not a group meeting, it focuses more on the exchange and collision of inspiration and innovative ideas.

Heisenberg was very excited because Professor Bruce would share it in person today.

This is a rare opportunity.

There were nearly twenty people sitting in the conference room on the second floor.

Including Schrödinger, Irene, Pauli, Heisenberg, etc.

They are all researchers within the Quantum Institute.

There are no rules for the meeting, and people can even smoke or eat while listening to the lecture.

Because Li Qiwei believes that only in such a relaxed environment can people burst out with all kinds of inspiration.

Everyone sat in a circle, all looking in the same direction.

Li Qiwei glanced at everyone and said with a smile:

"First of all, I would like to formally introduce a new colleague to you."

"He is Dr. Heisenberg, who graduated from the University of Munich."

Snapped!
Everyone applauded.

They had all heard of Heisenberg's name and were not unfamiliar with him.

Heisenberg quickly stood up and greeted everyone shyly.

"Hello everyone, I am Heisenberg, please take care of me."

With the introduction completed, today’s discussion officially begins.

Li Qiwei spoke first. He smiled and said:

"Some time ago, I went to Rome to attend the International Astronomy Congress, and then traveled around Europe."

“This journey has been very rewarding for me.”

"I suggest that if you can't find inspiration, you might consider going out for some fun."

"If you can publish innovative results during your trip, the institute will cover all the expenses."

Wow!
Everyone smiled happily when they heard this.

Professor Bruce is so nice!

Li Qiwei continued:

"While I was recuperating in Davos, Switzerland due to a cold, I suddenly had a completely new idea about the reconstruction of quantum theory."

“I share my thoughts with you today.”

“I hope that someone here can fulfill my wish in the future.”

Wow!
Everyone was shocked!
"Professor Bruce has made another breakthrough?"

"This is too scary!"

"He just shocked the astronomical world."

These achievements are popping up like crazy, making everyone both envious and worshipful.

Heisenberg's eyes widened and his breathing quickened when he heard this.

He came to the right place!

Only here could he be at the forefront of physics.

Although Professor Sommerfeld was very kind to him, he could not give him what he wanted most.

Amid the shock of the crowd, Li Qiwei slowly said:
"Until now, I have always believed that quantum theory urgently needs a more fundamental theory."

“Because quantum theory and relativity are different.”

"The former is highly dependent on the existence of matter such as atoms."

"So, for any physical description of it, we have to be careful to avoid blindly touching the elephant or adding unnecessary details."

"I once said in a speech in Germany: We don't know whether there are orbits inside atoms."

"Therefore, I think that those physical quantities that are unmeasurable or imaginary should be abandoned."

“What is unmeasurable?”

“Things like the orbits and energy levels of electrons, these are unnatural assumptions.”

"So, in quantum theory, which quantities are observable physical quantities?"

Suddenly, Li Qiwei gently stretched out two fingers.

“I combed through all of quantum theory and found two.”

"The first one is the frequency of the atomic emission spectrum."

"It represents the frequency of the electromagnetic waves radiated when an electron jumps from one orbit to another."

“It represents the difference in energy levels between orbitals.”

"With it, we don't actually need to assign values ​​to energy levels individually anymore."

"In this way, the assumption of energy levels can be removed."

"The second is the intensity of the atomic emission spectrum."

"Based on it, we can calculate the probability of an electron jumping from orbital A to orbital B."

"At the second quantum theory conference, I proposed that the transition of electrons is probabilistic."

"I'm not making this up, but it has everything to do with the intensity of the spectrum."

"I believe that these two physical quantities are the core of the entire quantum theory."

"Because they can be measured with great precision."

“Starting from these two observable quantities, we can build a more fundamental theory and give a mathematical description.”

"Through mathematical deduction, we can naturally derive all the properties of electrons, such as the four quantum numbers."

"Then quantum theory doesn't need any assumptions anymore!"

boom!
Everyone was shocked!

Heisenberg was thrilled!
(End of this chapter)