Quantum Droplets

This micro-photograph depicts the first experiment in the field of hydrodynamic quantum analogs. These silicone oil droplets are bouncing... more

by Aleks Labuda

Title

Quantum Droplets

Artist

Aleks Labuda

Medium

Photograph

Description

This micro-photograph depicts the first experiment in the field of hydrodynamic quantum analogs. These silicone oil droplets are bouncing indefinitely above a vibrating pool of silicone oil at 15 Hz. The surface waves generated by the droplets determine their spacing. These waves are analogous to quantum mechanical waves that guide the dynamics of quantum particles. While these droplets *move* like quantum particles, they *behave* like quantum waves. The droplets’ wave fields mediate their interactions with their surroundings, with each other, and even with themselves - similarly to electrons in the double-slit experiment.

Such bouncing droplets were discovered in 2005 by Yves Couder and mark the first real-world demonstration of the pilot-wave theory postulated by de Broglie in 1927. This behavior provides measurable and intuitive insight into the mystery of particle-wave duality.

Uploaded

December 16th, 2019