Applications of Quantum Mechanics

Applications of Quantum Mechanics

The field of quantum mechanics was first coined in 1924 by Max Born. Quantum physics has been phenomenal in explaining various phenomena and processes in life. Basically, quantum physics deals with the behavior of matter and explains matter from the perspective of atoms and sub-atomic particles (Adesso, Franco, & Parigi, 2018). The concepts in quantum physics also form the basis of explaining large and complex cosmological occurrences such as the Big Bang and the objects on the planet, including the stars and galaxies. Quantum mechanics forms a foundation of other related concepts such as quantum chemistry, structural biology, and condensed matter physics. Due to its accurate explanation of the physical behavior of processes and systems, the concepts are generally accepted by the physics community. The current analysis will explore features and three applications of quantum mechanics.

Laser operations are one of the applications of quantum mechanics, especially in the production of emitted protons, which work through the emission of monochromatic light through optical amplification and emission of photons under electromagnetic radiation (Coolman, 2014). This is possible through the optical amplification based on the emission of photons. The term laser was an acronym birthed from Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A feature that makes the laser point operate distinctively from other light sources is the fact that its light waves have a high degree of temporal and spatial coherence, producing a narrow beam that maintains a phased-temporal relationship.  The laser operates under the principle that an excited electron does not stay in its state but decays to a lower energy state depending on time characterization constraints. The spontaneous emission is a random process that describes the decay of such an electron without external influence.

Quantum mechanics is also applied in holography. This is a technology applied in the production of 3D images. It uses the features of light, diffraction, interference, light intensity, and illumination to produce the image (Adesso, Franco, & Parigi, 2018). The image changes as the viewer’s position and orientation of the viewer changes in a manner that the image quality and dimensions are retained as if presently viewed, making it look three-dimensional. The hologram is recorded using a flash of light that lights a scene and imprints on a plane recording platform, which is the typical way a photograph is produced. Therefore, a hologram will require the laser as a main source of light and produce a pattern of interference on the recording plane. For quality and preventing interference, holograms are taken in darkness and using a different light color, making the laser rays. A specific exposure time is also necessary, which is controlled using a shutter.

In my life, I have experienced quantum mechanics in a medical context in X-ray machines. Quantum mechanics is applied in the production of X-rays through electromagnetic radiation and wavelengths between 0.01 nanometers and 10 nanometers. They are generated using an X-ray tube and a vacuum tube with a high voltage that accelerates electrons to a high speed released from the cathode (Coolman, 2014). The electrons collide with a metal target at high velocity, which acts as the anode, creating the X-rays. Scientists are devising other methods of using X-rays, and a method that is becoming common in research is synchrotron radiation, which entails particles generated by accelerators. Modern quantum physics has evolved to incorporate quantum electrodynamics to improve the results.

References

Coolman, R. (2014). What Is Quantum Mechanics? Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/33816-quantum-mechanics-explanation.html

Adesso, G., Franco, R. L., & Parigi, V. (2018). Foundations of quantum mechanics and their impact on contemporary society. Philosophical transactions. Series A, Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences, 376(2123), 20180112. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2018.0112

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Applications of Quantum Mechanics

Outline the major features of quantum mechanics and how they are applied to various fields.

Student Success Criteria

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Instructions

In a two-page paper, research three examples of technologies that use quantum mechanics. Explain, in your own words, how these applications impact society. If you or someone you know has ever had an MRI scan for a medical diagnosis, you have experienced the result of quantum physics for measuring bodily structures. Finally, provide another specific example from your own life that could be influenced by these applications.