A Quantum Summer: An Exploration of the Research, Language and History of Quantum Mechanics

Jonathan Hunt, Centre College

Abstract: This project included three main components: the research, the language, and the history of quantum mechanics. I conducted research with Dr. Ed Montgomery of Centre College that focused on a quantum mechanical treatment of pressure-induced ionization of hydrogen, about which a paper was written and subsequently submitted for publication. I studied German intensively in Frankfurt, Germany for a month at the Goethe Institut. Finally, I traveled across Western Europe, visiting sites relevant to the history of the development and advancement of quantum mechanics and similar fields. These three components allowed me greater insight into my intended field of study on both academic and personal levels. I was also able to forge a greater bond with Germany, a country I have grown passionate about as a result of previous enrichment projects.

Research: Pressure-Induced

Ionization of Hydrogen

When the pressure on an atom is increased to the

megapascal region, the electronic energy increases to the point where spontaneous ionization occurs. This pressure-induced ionization of hydrogen is an

important consideration when modeling the atmosphere of the gas giant planets.

Our research entailed a quantum mechanical treatment of this topic.

Figure 2. Plot of minimum confinement radius rmin in a0 versus barrier height, V0, over a range of barrier heights from 0 Eh to 100 Eh (2720 eV) for the confined hydrogen atom (1)

Language: Deutsch in Deutschland

I took an intensive, month-long German language course at the Goethe Institut in Frankfurt, Germany.

The course was completely immersive, an aspect not only helpful but necessary, as a variety of native

tongues were spoken in my class.

The course included excursions to important cultural venues and events in the Frankfurt area, such as

restaurants typical of western German cuisine and the nearby Rheingau region, famous for its multitude of

castles and medieval towns.

As a result of the class, I am now certified in levels of German that qualify me to be a German resident. The main consequence of this is an eligibility to attend an

international German graduate program.

History: A Quantum Pilgrimage

Brussels, Belgium The site of the 5th Solvay Conference in 1927, where the brightest minds in science met at the peak of the development of quantum mechanics to discuss their conflicting theories as to its nature. The site of the Atomium, a monument to the future of atomic energy.

Geneva, Switzerland

The site of CERN, where scientists like Einstein, Bohr, and Heisenberg founded particle physics in hopes to glean more observable information from the quantum realm.

Munich, Germany The site of Ludwigs-Maximilians University, where many of the founders of quantum mechanics either studied or taught

Göttingen, Germany The site of the University of Göttingen, where many of the founders of quantum mechanics either studied or taught

Berlin, Germany Home of Albert Einstein, who incited the foundation of quantum mechanics with his shattering interpretation of Planck’s constant

Copenhagen, Denmark Home of Niels Bohr and his Institute, under whom and where, respectively, much of the development of quantum mechanics took place

Reference: (1) Hunt, Jonathan; Martin, J.; Rosing, V.;Winner, J.; Montgomery, H.E. Pressure-induced ionization of hydrogen: A computational project. Pending publication.

Figure 1. Plot of 1s energy in Eh versus confinement radius from 1 a0 (53 pm) to 6 a0 (318 pm) at constant barrier height V0 = 10 Eh for the confined hydrogen atom (1)