1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 652 The Fourth Pan-Pacific Science Conference! Professor Li Arrives in Singapore! Southeast Asia Shocks! The World Takes notice!

Borneo, Institute of Physics.

Li Qiwei was writing furiously at his desk, sometimes frowning slightly, sometimes suddenly realizing something.

If a physicist could see what was written on the paper, they would be utterly astonished.

"There are no particles or waves in the universe; everything is the excitation and movement of fields!"

This single sentence overturned the foundations of physics that had been built up over the past few centuries, and also overturned the traditional understanding of quantum mechanics.

Absolutely shocking!
That's right, this is the famous quantum field theory!
It organically combines classical field theory, special relativity, and quantum mechanics to form a revolutionary theory describing the universe!

It can be said that quantum field theory is the ultimate evolution of quantum mechanics.

Quantum field theory posits that ubiquitous fields exist in the universe, permeating the entire space.

Particles are quantum excitations of fields, just as water waves create splashes.

Every particle has its own corresponding field. The processes of particle generation and annihilation are actually the effects of changes in the field.

Photons correspond to electromagnetic fields and transmit electromagnetic interactions, which are described by quantum electrodynamics.

The W/Z boson corresponds to the W/Z boson field, which transmits the weak interaction and is described by the electroweak unification theory.

Note that weak interactions do not have their own "quantum dynamics".

Because its interaction with electromagnetic fields can be unified in a high-energy state, it has been incorporated into the higher electroweak unification theory.

Gluons correspond to gluon fields, which transmit the strong interaction and are described by quantum chromodynamics.

Furthermore, electrons have an electron field, but this field can be incorporated into the three frameworks mentioned above, so there is no specific dynamic theory for it.

The above is the main content of later quantum field theory.

Among them, quantum electrodynamics, electroweak unification theory, and quantum chromodynamics emerged in succession and are the core of the core.

Their creation is the result of the hard work and dedication of countless geniuses.

Quantum Electrodynamics (QED, 20s-40s): Heisenberg, Pauli, Dirac, Hideki Yukawa, Fermi, Schwinger, Feynman, and Shin-ichiro Tomonaga.
Electroweak unification theory (GSW, 40s-60s): Yang Zhenning, Li Zhengdao, Mills, Glashow, Salam, Nanbu Youyilang, Higgs, Weinberg
Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD, 60s-present): Gell-Mann, Zweig, Fritsch, Gross, Wilczek, Politzer
Each and every one of them became a renowned super-powerful figure in later generations.

The explanation of the three fundamental interactions by quantum field theory is called the Standard Model of particle physics, or simply the Standard Model.

The Standard Model is the ultimate theory of physics concerning all known elementary particles.

This theory posits that all matter in the universe is composed of fundamental particles according to the model.

The dynamics and interactions between these elementary particles are described by the corresponding quantum field theory.

Therefore, it can be seen that quantum field theory is the mathematical foundation and theoretical framework of the Standard Model.

Note that the unification of quantum electrodynamics and electroweak theory is now universally acknowledged in the physics community as indisputable.

Because the phenomena predicted by these two theories match the experimental results perfectly, their accuracy is "extraordinary".

However, quantum chromodynamics is still in its early stages of development and involves the extremely mysterious "quarks," so its correctness needs further verification.

Therefore, it is currently only the "most promising candidate" to describe strong interactions.

At this point, some people might ask:

"What about gravity?"

"Why isn't there a description of quantum field theory for gravity?"

Of course!
Anyone with even a slight obsessive-compulsive disorder would believe in the existence of gravitons, based on the concept of symmetry.

The experts think so too.

The Standard Model posits that the graviton corresponds to a gravitational field and transmits gravitational interactions.

Unfortunately, physicists have exhausted all means and seen to the end of the universe, but have not found any trace of gravitons.

It's as if it's a ghost detached from the standard model.

Therefore, the mainstream physics community has now excluded gravity from the Standard Model.

The goal is to unify the electromagnetic interaction, the strong interaction, and the weak interaction, which is the so-called "grand unified theory".

The perfect state of the Standard Model is the Grand Unified Theory.

This is also the goal that all physicists strive for throughout their lives.

Judging from the current development process, it will be quite difficult!

Here, we clarify a misunderstanding and a rumor.

Later generations have often seen some nonsensical science popularization self-media outlets claiming that "Yang Zhenning unified the three forces" or "Yang Zhenning completed the unified theory."

This statement is definitely wrong.

Yang Zhenning's contribution lies in providing a mathematical method for quantum field theory.

This method is specifically designed to describe interactions.

Electroweak unification can be used, quantum electrodynamics can be used, and even quantum gravitational dynamics can be used if there is one.

However, mathematical methods and physical theories are two completely different things and should not be confused.

Otherwise, if Newton invented calculus, does that mean all physical theories that use calculus are Newton's contributions?

The best way to respect a great scientist is to clearly understand the role of their contributions to the scientific system, rather than to blindly praise them.

Continue.

If someone could unify gravity as well, that would transcend the Standard Model and become the "Theory of Everything".

The most compelling candidate for the theory of everything is the renowned "string theory".

Of course, string theory can be further subdivided into many differences, which will not be discussed in detail here.

The "unified field theory" proposed by Einstein, which is well-known to many people in later generations, was simply an attempt to unify gravity and electromagnetism.

Although he ultimately failed, his ideas and methods still have relevance today.

In short, Einstein's "unified field theory" is a thing of the past, and we will not use that term now.

Instead, the "Grand Unified Theory," based on the Standard Model, has become the absolute mainstream.

There is another group of people who are obsessed with the "theory of everything" that unifies the four fundamental forces.

"call!"

Li Qiwei put down his pen and let out a soft breath.

After several days of reflection and summarization, he finally completed the sorting out of the core content of quantum field theory and subsequent physics.

He couldn't help but sigh:
"I am going to compete with all the unparalleled geniuses of the past hundred years all by myself!"

Because his theory of everything is a path that no one has ever walked before.

Now, he's going to use quantum electrodynamics from quantum field theory to kick off this grand event!

A few minutes later, Wang Zhengyang walked in, carrying a stack of documents.

"Principal, Mr. Sheng Jingran, the head of the overseas unit, just delivered the schedule for the 4th Pan-Pacific Science Conference."

"Please take a look."

Now the Borneo Academy of Sciences is also operational, with everyone performing their duties, greatly improving work efficiency.

As the person in charge of external exchanges, Sheng Jingran represents the Borneo Academy of Sciences, a scientific organization.

Therefore, his coordination is needed to undertake and participate in various tasks related to international conferences.

Of course, he still needed to discuss with Qian Wushi, He Yujie, and others about who would participate.

The Trans-Pacific Science Conference is an international conference founded under the leadership of Ritchie.

All the countries along the Pacific coast will receive an invitation.

The main countries include: China, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Sakura people, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and more than a dozen other countries.

Of course, Borneo will be added this year as well.

Borneo holds a very special position in the scientific community due to the presence of Riggeve, and can participate independently. (It's frustrating; I'm writing this very cautiously.)

The first conference was held in Shanghai, China.

This year marks the fourth edition, and the event will be held in Singapore, in Southeast Asia, from June 1st to 5th.

This conference is a large-scale comprehensive academic conference that includes various science and engineering fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and medicine.

It has received widespread praise since its inception.

However, in terms of reputation and influence, it still falls short of some international conferences in Europe. There's no way around it; in this era, the status of Europe as the center of science is not to be challenged.

Even with Li Qiwei's support, there is unlikely to be much change in the short term.

At that moment, Li Qiwei took the meeting materials and began to read them.

When I looked, I was shocked!
The number of participating countries is not much different from before, but the number of participants has more than doubled!
The first Pan-Pacific Science Conference had only a little over 100 participants.

This year's conference had an astonishing 500 attendees.

The fact that the Sakura Clan alone sent a scientific team of about 200 people is simply astonishing!
Li Qiwei was both surprised and puzzled:
"Are the Sakura Clan really that arrogant?"

Is this a move to flex muscles in Asia?

In real history, there was also a Pacific Science Conference.

However, the conference covered not only science, but also politics, culture, and economics.

The Sakura Clan always has the largest number of participants at the conferences, while other countries have only a dozen or so people. They start with a hundred or more.

This shows that they want to dominate Asia and strive to be number one in every aspect.

This made Li Qiwei a little unhappy.

Suddenly, a wicked smile appeared on his face.

Just then, he was about to publish a paper on quantum field theory, bringing a glimmer of hope to theoretical physics.

"In that case, let's just announce it at this meeting."

So he said to Wang Zhengyang:

"There's nothing wrong with the list."

"Have Sheng Jingran make arrangements, I also want to attend the 4th Pan-Pacific Science Conference."

“I heard there are many Chinese from Southeast Asia in Singapore, so I’ll go and take a look.”

Wow!
Wang Zhengyang was shocked to hear this!
The principal actually wanted to attend the meeting in person.

Goodness gracious, this is an extremely important matter!

It will definitely cause a sensation in the scientific community in Asia and even the world.

"Okay, I'll inform them right away."
-
1926 5 Month 1 Day.

The announcement of the Fourth Pan-Pacific Science Conference immediately stirred up the Asian scientific community.

The triennial conference is the best channel for communication among trans-Pacific countries.

Therefore, every country is very enthusiastic and sends its own researchers to participate.

Although the Europeans never took the conference seriously, it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the meeting at all.

Just as countless people were eager to make a name for themselves at the conference or enhance the nation's honor.

An extremely explosive piece of news has spread!

"Professor Bruce will be attending this year's Pan-Pacific Science Conference and will be giving an academic presentation in the Physics section!"

The news caused an instant sensation in the trans-Pacific scientific community!

Everyone couldn't believe their ears.

"My God!"

"is this real?"

"Professor Bruce is coming!"

"I definitely have to attend, I definitely have to listen to Professor Bruce's report!"

"Hey, didn't you study geography?"

"What do you know? Geophysics and geography are one family!"

"."

Li Qiwei did not attend the previous three sessions, but participated in this one.

This shows how rare such an opportunity is.

Moreover, it is widely acknowledged in academia that listening to Professor Bruce's lectures can increase the probability of winning a Nobel Prize by 5%.

How could such a situation not drive people crazy?

Soon, the global scientific community was shaken!

European scholars were all astonished:
"OMG!"

"How can it be!"

"Professor Bruce is such a figure, why would he attend such a meeting?"

"While I don't mean to belittle anyone, would this level of academic exchange really pique Professor Bruce's interest?"

"Moreover, he will also be giving academic presentations, which will certainly bring up new theories and insights."

"Damn it! I want to go too!"

Unfortunately, this was the Trans-Pacific Science Conference, and no European countries were invited.

Therefore, no one can bring themselves to force their way in.

As for Britain and the Netherlands, since they had colonies in Southeast Asia, theoretically, these two countries could have participated.

However, Rutherford, Lorenz, and other bigwigs did not decide to go in person.

All they need to do is stick to the meeting results.

"Bruce, what new shock will you bring this time?"

Everyone was looking forward to it.

This is the prestige Li Qiwei enjoys today!
His impromptu decision stirred up a storm in the entire scientific community.

Sakura Clan.

Upon hearing this news, Nagaoka Hantaro jumped to his feet.

"Renke, make the arrangements. I want to personally lead the physics team!"

Yoshio Nishina was also very excited.

He didn't expect Professor Li to attend the conference, let alone give a professional report.

This alone makes this conference incredibly valuable.

"Don't worry, teacher."

Hantaro Nagaoka looked out the window, a slight smile playing on his lips.

India.

Both Raman and Bose found it unbelievable.

"I get to listen to Professor Bruce's lecture again!"

"What a blessing!"

United States.

Compton was laughing very happily.

"I can go see Brother Xun again."

"I want to visit his lab and see what amazing technology he's developing."

"Also, I need to have a chat with Zhao Zhongyao; the young man helped me a lot."

Compton was planning his trip to Asia.

Of course, the most important thing is to listen to Professor Bruce's report.

Countless people are eagerly anticipating the start of the meeting.

Meanwhile, at the eye of the storm, Singapore, which guards the Strait of Malacca, was engulfed in madness.

"Professor Li has come to Singapore!"

All the Chinese communities in Southeast Asia were shaken and gathered in Singapore.

(End of this chapter)