What is the problem/issue being addressed?
The project aims at finding laboratory-scale analogs of quantum phenomena, especially of the ones involving bipartite systems. The main project goal is to build quantum analogue by making use of fluid systems that are readily observed and studied in the laboratory due to their relevant scale (mm – cm). Even though quantum theory can be formulated in terms of wave mechanics, its similarities to the wave theory describing the fluid systems is not unlimited. One of the major issues when looking for quantum analogs, is to very well define both the potential and the limitations of each system, and this project contributes to that direction as well. Specifically, we do so by studying bipartite bouncing droplets systems that were not very well-understood prior to the project.
Why is it important for society?
One of the main puzzles in modern physics is that our two main theories, quantum mechanics and general relativity are not entirely compatible with each other. Specifically, general relativity is founded on the core assumption that no influence can travel faster than the speed of light in any reference frame, whereas in quantum entanglement, the measurement of one particle is assumed to affect the state of a distant particle instantaneously, a process known as the wave function collapse. This challenge is well-known and of great interest, both among scientists and the general public. This is a basic research project that, through the development of novel quantum analogs, aims to develop key ideas that will contribute in resolving this important challenge. As a basic research project we also aim to develop new visual tools of the hydrodynamic pilot-wave systems, which can be used to educate young students as to the open questions in quantum mechanics, and inspire them to think creatively.
What are the overall objectives?
The project aims to develop hydrodynamic analogs of key quantum phenomena involving bipartite systems, with particular interest in non-separability. Specifically, it aims to develop such analogs in 1D systems involving hydrodynamic cavities that interact through a common wavefield, and then to advance them in 2D systems, using the state-of-the-art experimental setup at MIT. In addition, it aims to rationalize the observed experimental behavior mathematically by developing appropriate numerical models, which in turn will improve our understanding of how such wave-mediated bipartite correlations are created in a pilot-wave system. These results will ultimately be compared with performed quantum mechanical experiments (from the literature) in different settings.
