David Bohm

David Bohm

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David Bohm

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Birth date	1917-12-20
Birth place	Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA
Died	October 27, 1992(1992-10-27) (aged 74)
Place of death	London, England
Nationality	American
Known for	Bohmian mechanics, Aharonov–Bohm effect, Bohm diffusion, Bohm interpretation

David Joseph Bohm (December 20, 1917 – October 27, 1992) was an American theoretical physicist who made significant contributions to the fields of quantum mechanics, neuropsychology, and the philosophy of mind. He is best known for his work on the Bohm interpretation of quantum mechanics, also known as Bohmian mechanics, and for the discovery of the Aharonov–Bohm effect.

Early Life and Education

David Bohm was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to a Jewish family. He attended Pennsylvania State College (now Pennsylvania State University) and later transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where he completed his Ph.D. under the supervision of J. Robert Oppenheimer.

Career and Research

Bohm's early work was in the field of plasma physics, where he developed the concept of Bohm diffusion. However, his most notable contributions were in the realm of quantum theory.

Bohmian Mechanics

The double-slit experiment, a key concept in quantum mechanics.

Bohmian mechanics, also known as the pilot-wave theory, is an interpretation of quantum mechanics that posits an objective reality guided by a "pilot wave." This theory was initially proposed by Louis de Broglie and later developed by Bohm in 1952. Unlike the Copenhagen interpretation, Bohmian mechanics provides a deterministic framework for quantum phenomena.

Aharonov–Bohm Effect

Illustration of the Aharonov–Bohm effect.

In collaboration with Yakir Aharonov, Bohm discovered the Aharonov–Bohm effect, which demonstrates that an electron is affected by electromagnetic potentials, even in regions where the magnetic field is zero. This effect has profound implications for the understanding of electromagnetic fields and quantum theory.

Holonomic Brain Theory

Bohm also explored the intersection of physics and neuropsychology, proposing the holonomic brain theory in collaboration with Karl Pribram. This theory suggests that the brain functions in a manner analogous to a hologram, with memory and perception distributed throughout the brain.

Philosophy and Legacy

Bohm was deeply interested in the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics. He believed in an underlying order to the universe, which he termed the "implicate order." His ideas have influenced not only physics but also philosophy, psychology, and the study of consciousness.

Also see

• Quantum mechanics
• Copenhagen interpretation
• Louis de Broglie
• Yakir Aharonov
• Karl Pribram
• Holonomic brain theory