Physicists at the RIKEN have shown that water waves can be used to visualize fundamental concepts. This will allow for new insights into different wave systems.
The concept of spin is important in quantum physics and underpins the emerging fields of spintronics and quantum computing. In high school physics, the spin of an electron is usually described as the electron spinning on its axis. A full description of spin is more abstract than simple pictures.
The spin can appear as small circular motions of water particles in water waves, thanks to the work of the RIKEN Theoretical Quantum Physics Laboratory and their co-workers. Science Advances contains their research.
We were surprised that our collaborators from the Australian National University were able to observe this effect in experiments so quickly. That is the beauty of the experiment.
It was unexpected because the concept of spin comes from the mathematics that describes field theory and does not apply to water waves. The researchers were able to show that there is a mathematical connection between water waves and formal theory. In physics, phenomena that appear to be unrelated can be connected by common mathematics.
It is nice to see the parallels between wave systems, and this approach illuminates the physics behind them.
The demonstration could be useful for teaching quantum field theory. It appears in some equations, but you don't see it in the experiment. It is a platform for visualization of properties hidden in quantum field theory.
Field theory can be used to gain new insights into other types of classical waves.
More information: Konstantin Y. Bliokh et al, Field theory spin and momentum in water waves, Science Advances (2022). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm1295 Journal information: Science Advances Citation: Visualizing spin angular momentum in water waves (2022, April 18) retrieved 18 April 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-04-visualizing-angular-momentum.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
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