The Relativistic Quantum World

Have you ever wondered about the concepts of Relativity Theory and Quantum Mechanics? In this lecture series of ten 1-hour lectures, given on five evenings, we will discuss the fundamental concepts of these intriguing physics theories in depth, but without having to go through intricate mathematics derivations. On the first two evenings, we will see how basic physics ideas of symmetry lead to surprising consequences of the nature of space and time, culminating in the discovery of gravitational waves. On the following two evenings, we dive into the counter-intuitive concepts of quantum mechanics phenomena and their interpretation. On the last evening, relativity and quantum come together, as we discuss the physics of elementary particles and the discoveries made at the LHC collider at CERN. Via the physics of antimatter and the Higgs particle, we address the question: How can it be that a universe filled with matter exists in the first place? Be prepared to learn that the relativistic quantum world is fundamentally different to the macroscopic world we are used to.

The individual lectures
1. The Principle of Relativity / Lorentz Contraction and Time Dilatation (10 Sep)
2. Relativistic Paradoxes / General Relativity and Gravitational Waves (17 Sep)
3. The Early Quantum Theory / Feynman's Double Slit Experiment (24 Sep)
4. Wheeler's Delayed Choice Experiment / Quantum Reality (1 Oct)
5. The Standard Model and Antimatter / Why is there something rather than nothing (8 Oct)

About the speaker
Prof. Marcel Merk, Professor of gravitational waves and fundamental physics, UM and research physicist at Nikhef