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.