Fall 2013 Physics Colloquium
September 27; PAS 224, 3pm
Brian Anderson
University of Arizona
Turbulent times in quantum physics.
Turbulent flows are found throughout nature, yet a deep physical
understanding of the nature of turbulence stubbornly remains “the most
important unsolved problem of classical physics” [attributed to
Feynman]. But turbulence is not only a classical phenomenon. It has
long been studied in superfluid helium, where quantum mechanics and
quantized vortices enable means of characterizing turbulent flows not
found in classical physics. Research is now beginning to address a
new corner of the turbulence puzzle: two-dimensional quantum
turbulence, with particular focus on atomic Bose-Einstein condensates
(BECs). Within this field, prospects are emerging for obtaining a
clear understanding of the relationships between elements of
turbulence, such as energy spectra and the microscopic dynamics and
structure of vortices, and characteristics both unique to BECs and
analogous to those of 2D classical turbulence have been observed. In
this talk I will describe some of these experimental, numerical, and
theoretical studies in progress at the University of Arizona and
collaborating institutions. My goal is to convey the notion that BECs
provide exciting means of examining the links between turbulence in
the quantum and classical worlds. Such studies may help foster new
insights into broader aspects of turbulence physics.