Father of quantum mechanics

Father of quantum mechanics is a moniker applied to several individuals. Strictly speaking, Max Planck, Werner Heisenberg, and Erwin Schrödinger have equal claim and recognition. Max Planck originated the vast field of Quantum theory and is regarded as the 'true but reluctant father' of the modern concept of 'quantum of energy' that underlies all quantum phenomena.^[1][2][3][4]

Background

Planck introduced the concept of a hypothetical energy quantum to explain Black-body radiation spectra in 1900^{[5] [6][7]}.

Albert Einstein cemented the utility of quantum theory through explanation of the Photoelectric effect in a 1905 paper. ^[8]

The fundamental concept that the energy E of any system that absorbs or emits electromagnetic radiation of frequency ν is an integer multiple of an energy quantum E = hν inspired Erwin Schrödinger to quantize the classical Wave equation. Schrödinger arrived at what is now known as the Schrödinger equation published in 1926^{[9] [10]} This formulation is known as Wave mechanics, An alternative formulation of quantum theory by Werner Heisenberg was published in a 1925 paper.^[11]. Heisenberg's work is also referred to as matrix mechanics formulation of quantum physics for which he was awarded the 1932 Nobel Prize in Physics. As far as attribution for Quantum Mechanics, Heisenberg's Nobel Prize citation awards Heisenberg the credit "for the creation of quantum mechanics"^[12].

Additional fine-tuning by Max Born provided the practical way of interpreting probabilities in quantum theory.

References

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