Quantum Mechanics: Some Remarks and Themes

Abstract

Quantum mechanics to a large extent is a subject which conceptually is abstract and very mathematical in nature. Despite its abstract formalism it has proved to be a storehouse of ideas of enormous practical value. These radically new ideas, boldly proposed and strikingly uncommon, have helped to unlock deep secrets of the world, especially at the microscopic level where the breakdown of classical physics becomes rather apparent. There flows indeed from this subject a vast stream of concrete, everyday life applications. The phenomenon of transistors, television, semiconductors, computers, lasers, to name a few, instruments of unde-bated importance for communication, education, energy requirements, medicine, etc.—all involve quantum mechanical effects. The work of P. Lenard and especially of A. Einstein on the photoelectric effect, for example, helped toward the development of television. Our world has been positively changed by the fruits of this elegant subject and its forward thinking founders.