Adam Reed - Beating a Vibrating (and not really vibrating) Quantum Drum

Beating a Vibrating (and not really vibrating) Quantum Drum

Contrary to our everyday intuition, objects can be in two distinct states at the same time. Eighty years ago, this idea was a mere thought experiment proposed by the inventors of quantum mechanics, a theory originally developed to describe the behavior of atoms and light. Decades later, numerous experiments have tested the often counter intuitive predictions of quantum mechanics. Surprisingly, all tests have passed with flying colors. However, it is not yet well known how massive objects containing trillions of atoms can obey quantum mechanics. This talk will discuss recent progress of an experiment at CU Boulder that may enable a metal micron-sized drum to vibrate, and not really vibrate, at the same time.

Adam Reed