28th Annual Student Research Conference
Understanding Quantum Mechanics Using Wigner Functions
Nathan C. Engle
Prof. Taner Edis, Faculty Mentor
In classical mechanics the correspondence between physical objects and their representations in the mathematical models of our theories is straightforward. In quantum mechanics, it is harder to physically understand the basic mathematical objects, wavefunctions, and the physical entities represented by the theory. Using an alternative formulation of quantum mechanics, with Wigner functions as the fundamental mathematical objects might lend to better physical understanding. Doing this will require the use of partial differential equations, or PDEs, that represent the flow of a density over a new parameter, tau, and a relationship between currents and densities. Once the relationship, and therefor a current, is known, a Wigner function can be found. I worked on creating an animation tool that would be used to better understand the progression of potential PDEs and finding a relationship between currents and densities.
Keywords:
Topic(s):Physics
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 310-3
Location: MG 1096
Time: 1:30