Okay… back on track this week… ![]()
Like last week’s GOTW, this week’s geek is also one of the early contributors to Quantum Mechanics: Erwin Schroedinger. Mr. Scroedinger won the Nobel prize for physics in 1933 for the equation that now bears his name. This equation is considered to be a real breakthrough in the field of quantum mechanics, and indeed in all of physics. It is celebrated as one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century.
He is perhaps more well known for his Schroedinger’s cat thought experiment. The scenario presents a cat that might be alive or dead, depending on an earlier random event. Although the original “experiment” was imaginary, similar principles have been researched and used in practical applications. The thought experiment is also often featured in theoretical discussions of the interpretation of quantum mechanics. I think that anyone that can come up with this and also win the nobel prize for physics, and have an equation named after him is well deserving to be named our Geek of the Week.