1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 538: The Quantum Age! A Genius Game! Returning Home in Glory! The Glory of Cavendish!

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye it is 1924.

In the past 1923 years, many great things have happened in the field of physics.

Especially in the field of quantum physics, the world has undergone tremendous changes.

From the old quantum theory to quantum mechanics, a dramatic revolution in physics has taken place.

A peerless genius emerges out of nowhere, and an elderly scholar achieves success late in life.

At the quantum mechanics conference, Professor Bruce held the sky with his hands!
Matrix mechanics, matter waves, wave dynamics, probability waves
Each of these events and nouns represents the pinnacle of human wisdom!

It is dazzling and exciting at the same time.

Countless scholars beat their chests and stamped their feet. They racked their brains but could not imagine what kind of brain could construct these theories.

Someone lamented unwillingly:

"Quantum mechanics is a game only for geniuses!"

However, by the end of the year, the deeds of Davidson and Thompson Jr. were eye-catching and inspired countless people.

The two of them confirmed the wave nature of electrons through experiments almost at the same time!
This is the result that many people dream of.

You know, experimental physics giants such as Rutherford, Madame Curie, Millikan, and Laue were all trying to prove the wave nature of electrons.

Now, it has been accomplished by two people who are unknown in the physics community.

Needless to say, Davidson was just an ordinary researcher before he became famous.

If he hadn't been hired to Alpha Labs, he would probably have just become an ordinary person.

Although Thomson Jr. is Thomson's son, his fame is far less than that of his father.

However, these two ordinary physicists conducted experiments that even the big guys couldn't handle.

This is simply a bowl of chicken soup for all ordinary scholars who are struggling.

Davidson's experience, in particular, is legendary.

He didn't even know that he had proved the theory of matter waves.

It's simply dumbfounding.

After many people learned about his deeds, they rushed to the trash can to look for their manuscripts.

"Maybe I've missed some great discovery."

In short, the physics community has gone completely crazy because of quantum mechanics.

In real history, between 1925 and 1927, which was the golden two and a half years of quantum mechanics.

A total of more than 200 articles on quantum mechanics have been published in the physics community.

These papers are not like those written for the purpose of publication in later generations.

Instead, it played a key role in the development of quantum mechanics.

This shows the importance of quantum mechanics to physics.

For various reasons, this year’s fourth Bruce Conference is even more exciting.
-
London, Institute of Quantum Research.

Just after the New Year, the institute returned to its former busyness.

In the office, Li Qiwei and Schrodinger sat opposite each other.

The two happened to discuss the recent matter wave verification experiment.

Schrödinger smiled and said:

"I never expected that within less than a year, de Broglie's matter waves would be successfully verified."

“Quantum mechanics is developing so fast.”

The success of Davidson and Thomson Jr. meant the failure of Schrödinger.

The pure wave theory he had previously insisted on was refuted.

All matter in this world has the dual nature of wave and particle, rather than being composed purely of waves.

However, Schrödinger was not too disappointed.

Anyway, there was nothing wrong with his wave equation, it was just that his understanding was wrong.

Li Qiwei sighed:

"Next, the core task of quantum mechanics is to explain the nature of the world."

"Especially the wave-particle duality, which is the key point."

Then, he earnestly exhorted:
"Schrödinger, I hope you will continue to maintain your passion for physics and quantum mechanics in your new position."

Schrödinger was deeply moved when he heard this.

Counting the time, he spent exactly four years at the Quantum Institute.

For him, these four years were an extremely valuable experience and wealth, and had an indelible impact on his scientific research career.

Professor Bruce is very respectable for sharing his knowledge with others.

He said solemnly:

"Don't worry, Professor."

"No matter where I am, I will always remember your teachings!"

Today, he came here specifically to resign.

At the invitation of Planck and Einstein, Schrödinger was hired as acting director of the Department of Physics at the University of Berlin.

For Schrödinger, the founder of wave mechanics, agency is just a transition and process, and he will soon be able to become a regular employee.

The original department head was Einstein, but he was really not good at management and did not like teaching students.

In addition, he was also the director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physics, so he did not have enough energy.

So he set his sights on Schrödinger, hoping that he could share the pressure with him.

At the conference on quantum mechanics, Planck and Einstein were very satisfied with Schrödinger.

Plus, the other party was Austrian, so everything went smoothly.

Schrödinger himself was very satisfied with the position and agreed without hesitation.

In this way, he didn't even need a letter of recommendation from Professor Bruce.

Li Qiwei laughed again:

"The University of Berlin is a perfect fit for you."

"I am also happy for you to get such a position."

“I hope you can teach more students like you in the future.”

"Einstein only knew how to bury his head in research, which only delayed others."

Schrodinger scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.

After the two chatted for a while, Schrödinger stood up, bowed deeply, and finally said sincerely:

"Professor Bruce, thank you for your cultivation!"

Li Qiwei smiled and nodded, watching him leave the Quantum Research Institute, with a trace of reluctance in his heart.

Then, he murmured again:

"Pauli and Heisenberg, when will these two brats leave?"

"I can't bear the annoyance."
-
1924 2 Month 15 Day.

University of Cambridge, Cavendish Laboratory.

Today is the 50th anniversary of the laboratory's completion.

The school was bustling with colorful flags flying.

Although Li Qiwei and Rutherford just wanted to hold a low-key internal celebration and did not want it to be too ostentatious.

But Cambridge University obviously values ​​Cavendish very much and is therefore very supportive of this event.

Not only did we promote it throughout the campus, but we also covered all expenses for all visiting personnel.

Just kidding, most of the Nobel Prize winners from Cambridge University came from Cavendish.

The school leadership is certainly very concerned.

Without Nobel Prize-level results, it would be embarrassing to go out and trick rich people into donating money.

Although Maxwell founded the Cavendish Laboratory in 1871.

But it was only a name at that time. It was not until 1874 that the laboratory was actually built and put into use.

Therefore, the anniversary is based on 1874, which is exactly the 50th anniversary this year.

Although the laboratory was founded by Maxwell, it was named after Cavendish.

This must be to commemorate the man who is known as "the man who weighed the earth", Cavendish, a famous British physicist and alumnus of Cambridge University.

It was not because Cavendish's relative, the Duke of Devonshire, who was then the president of Cambridge University, personally donated 8450 pounds for the construction of the laboratory.

After its completion, Maxwell became the first director of the Cavendish Laboratory.

After him, the second director was Baron Strathairn of Rayleigh.

Later, Baron Rayleigh chose Thomson, who was only 28 years old, as the third director.

Then, in 1919, Rutherford took over from Thomson and became the fourth director, a position he holds to this day.

After four generations of hard work, Cavendish has developed from its original simple laboratory into today's top laboratory in the physics world.

Most of the people who came out of here became famous figures in the field of physics, and Ridgway and Rutherford were the best among them, leading the crowd.

At 9 o'clock in the morning, when Li Qiwei arrived, the laboratory was already crowded with people and full of laughter.

Wilson stood at the door like a door god, welcoming the guests.

When he saw Li Qiwei, his eyes lit up and he immediately laughed:

"Oh, Bruce, you're finally here."

"Only you and Professor Thompson are left!"

After saying that, he nodded to Pauli, Heisenberg and Irene behind him.

Apparently, the three of them came here to celebrate with Professor Bruce.

Ridgway and Wilson gave each other a big hug.

He smiled and said:

“There are quite a few people who come here just because of the sound.”

“Compared to 20 years ago, the lab has changed a lot.”

Wilson heard this and said with emotion:

"Yes."

“It’s developing too fast.”

Suddenly, he said excitedly:

"By the way, Bruce, I've finished the cloud chamber photo you asked me to enlarge."

"Just as you predicted, when you zoom in, you can see that the electron's trajectory is indeed discontinuous, not continuous."

"Hehe, without my cloud chamber, your quantum mechanics probably wouldn't have developed so smoothly."

Li Qiwei teased everyone:
"Our Professor Wilson is really awesome!"

Caused laughter.

At this time, Rutherford heard the sound and came out.

He smiled and said:

"You two stop bickering and come in quickly, it's about to start."

So, everyone went in one after another.

Li Qiwei's arrival caused cheers to break out again.

On an occasion like today, he originally wanted to keep a low profile.

Because today belongs to the entire Cavendish Laboratory.

No matter how great his achievements, Li Qiwei will always be a part of the laboratory.

This is where his dream began.

However, his fame is too great.

It's impossible to keep a low profile.

Especially the teachers and students who have just joined the Cavendish Laboratory are extremely excited.

They saw the legendary Professor Bruce with their own eyes!

"So handsome indeed!"

Li Qiwei shook hands with everyone who came.

Many people participated in this 50th anniversary commemoration event.

There are mainly the following categories:
One is that I am currently studying and working at the Cavendish Laboratory.

Such as Rutherford, Chadwick, and other teachers and students.

The second is that they have studied or worked at the Cavendish Laboratory and have now left.

For example, Ridgway, Thompson, Wilson, Fowler, Richardson, Buckland, Aston, Bragg Jr., Thompson Jr., etc.

The third is to be invited by the tutor or to come with the tutor.

For example, Heisenberg, Pauli, Irene, Dirac, Davidson, etc.

Most of them are or will be Nobel Prize winners.

Through Cavendish, these people formed a huge network that profoundly influenced the community of physics.

At this time, little Thomson took the opportunity to step forward and said from the bottom of his heart:

"Brother Bruce, thank you for your reply."

"Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to prove matter waves."

Wow!
Everyone was shocked when they heard this!
What is this secret?
Then, young Thompson briefly explained the cause and effect, which immediately caused a burst of exclamations.

Especially those with masters and doctoral degrees are extremely envious.

"Oh my god!"

"Professor George is so lucky!"

"It would be great if I could write to Professor Bruce, too."

Someone immediately attacked:
"Come on!"

"As for your crappy experiments, what's there to discuss?"

"Professor George failed countless times before he could get inspiration from Professor Bruce."

“Without enough effort and intelligence, you won’t use the methods that are right in front of you.”

Everyone laughed.

Young people are indeed full of energy.

Davidson was among the crowd, and after listening to the story of little Thomson, he once again felt very lucky.

Although he failed to get guidance from Professor Bruce, he met Wu Youxun.

Everyone in the circle knows that Wu Youxun is a person that Professor Bruce highly respects.

And winning the Nobel Prize is almost a certainty.

He now works in Alpha Labs, which is equivalent to clinging to Professor Bruce's big legs.

The future is expected!

Just as everyone was communicating with each other and laughing.

Professor Thomson finally arrived.

Li Qiwei and Rutherford hurried forward to greet them, and the atmosphere reached its climax.

Thompson looked at the people in front of him and couldn't help being touched, with redness in the corners of his eyes.

He is 68 years old this year, his hair is snow-white, but he is still in good health.

There was always a happy smile on his wrinkled face and he kept greeting everyone.

He kept muttering: "Okay, okay, okay!"

The once domineering Professor Thomson is now old.

Soon, the celebration ceremony officially began.

Surrounded by the crowd, Thompson went on stage to speak.

"Some time ago, some old friends made fun of me."

"They said: Thomson, you spent most of your life proving that electrons are particles, and then your son proved that electrons are waves."

"Aren't you just busying yourself?"

Everyone in the audience laughed.

Little Thompson straightened his chest. At this moment, he finally broke free from his father's protection.

“I smiled and told them: This is the spirit of Cavendish.”

"Even between father and son, there is no absolute authority."

"Everyone's mind and soul are independent."

“If we are held back by authority, then no one should do research.”

"Just let Bruce study physics alone, and we'll watch from the side."

Everyone burst into laughter again.

Li Qiwei touched his nose awkwardly and thought to himself: It’s not impossible.

“50 years ago, Professor Maxwell proposed that [experiments and logic should go hand in hand, and freedom and mission should go hand in hand].”

"Fifty years later, this spiritual fire has become a torch in our hands, passed down from generation to generation."

“Every wall here is not a cold stone, but a monument of science.”

“However, I still want to say that the glory of Cavendish lies not in the past, but in the future!”

“Everyone here is the future!”

"thank you all."

boom!
There was thunderous applause in the room, which lasted for a long time!

(End of this chapter)