Speaker
Sebastian Kilde Löfgren
(Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg)
Description
Modeling the hydrogen atom is often considered an essential milestone in an introductory quantum mechanics course. Mathematically, the path is clear: from the square potential well, through the harmonic potential, and culminating with the hydrogen atom. However, a working conceptual path is lacking. Here, we present results from a real experiment where the light scattering of an evaporating, optically levitating water droplet can be explained with a quantum analogy, serving as an 'optical atom.' We have distilled two important concepts in this analogy, angular momentum and tunneling, to explain properties of the hydrogen atom conceptually in an undergraduate teaching context.
| How would you like to present your contribution? | Live in Kraków (time slot to be allotted based on the programme) |
|---|---|
| Target education level | University |
| Category | Formal Education |
Author
Sebastian Kilde Löfgren
(Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg)
Co-authors
Prof.
Dag Hanstorp
(Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg)
Javier Tello Marmolejo
(Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg)
