Physics Program Presents

Hydrodynamic Quantum Analogs

Since Yves Couder’s discovery in 2005 that droplets may self-propel along the surface of a vibrating liquid bath, numerous studies have shown that these walking droplets exhibit features previously thought to be exclusive to the microscopic, quantum realm. The walking-droplet system represents a macroscopic realization of wave-particle duality, and of a pilot-wave dynamics of the form proposed for microscopic quantum particles by Louis de Broglie in the 1920s. Experimental theoretical results allow us to explore its potential and limitations as a quantum analog, and so redefine the boundary between classical and quantum. Theoretical descriptions of the hydrodynamic system allow us to forge links with existing quantum pilot-wave theories, and explore a broader class of classical pilot-wave systems. Particular attention is given to illustrating how the non-Markovian droplet dynamics may give rise to features that are taken as evidence of quantum nonlocality in their microscopic counterparts.

---

For more information, call 845-758-6822, or e-mail [email protected].

Time: 12:00 pm EDT/GMT-4

Location: Brody Lab - Hegeman 107

Subscribe: Save this Event: Subscribe / .ics File