Visualization of Quantum Mechanics

Dr. Wilson Ho of the University of California, Irvine discusses how some of the problems that are routinely encountered in quantum mechanics, such as particle tunneling, Brownian motion, particle in a one-dimensional box, harmonic oscillators, and molecular orbitals, can be directly visualized by combining real-space imaging, atomic and molecular manipulation, and spatially resolved spectroscopy. It has also become possible to measure quantum phenomena and excitations arising from coupling of photon radiation and tunneling electrons with the molecular electronic states and vibrational motions. Results from these experiments provide a basic, visual understanding of atoms, molecules, and nanostructures. [Available on DVD in the SSU library.]