This project involved research, language study, and historical exploration related to quantum mechanics. The student conducted original quantum mechanical research on pressure-induced hydrogen ionization with his professor, writing a paper on the topic. He studied German intensively for a month in Frankfurt, becoming proficient enough to qualify for German university programs. Finally, he traveled across Europe visiting sites important to the development of quantum mechanics, such as locations of early conferences and universities of prominent physicists. Through these three components, the student gained both academic and personal insights into his field of interest.

1. A Quantum Summer: An Exploration of the Research,
Language and History of Quantum Mechanics
Jonathan Hunt, Centre College
Abstract: This project included three main components: the research, the language, and the history of quantum mechanics. I conducted research with Dr. Ed Montgomery of Centre
College that focused on a quantum mechanical treatment of pressure-induced ionization of hydrogen, about which a paper was written and subsequently submitted for publication. I
studied German intensively in Frankfurt, Germany for a month at the Goethe Institut. Finally, I traveled across Western Europe, visiting sites relevant to the history of the development and
advancement of quantum mechanics and similar fields. These three components allowed me greater insight into my intended field of study on both academic and personal levels. I was
also able to forge a greater bond with Germany, a country I have grown passionate about as a result of previous enrichment projects.
Research:
Pressure-Induced
Ionization of Hydrogen
When the pressure on an atom is increased to the
megapascal region, the electronic energy increases
to the point where spontaneous ionization occurs.
This pressure-induced ionization of hydrogen is an
important consideration when modeling the
atmosphere of the gas giant planets.
Our research entailed a quantum mechanical
treatment of this topic.
Figure 2. Plot of minimum confinement radius rmin in a0 versus barrier
height, V0, over a range of barrier heights from 0 Eh to 100 Eh (2720 eV)
for the confined hydrogen atom (1)
Language:
Deutsch in Deutschland
I took an intensive, month-long German language
course at the Goethe Institut in Frankfurt, Germany.
The course was completely immersive, an aspect not
only helpful but necessary, as a variety of native
tongues were spoken in my class.
The course included excursions to important cultural
venues and events in the Frankfurt area, such as
restaurants typical of western German cuisine and the
nearby Rheingau region, famous for its multitude of
castles and medieval towns.
As a result of the class, I am now certified in levels of
German that qualify me to be a German resident. The
main consequence of this is an eligibility to attend an
international German graduate program.
History:
A Quantum Pilgrimage
Brussels, Belgium
The site of the 5th Solvay Conference in 1927, where the brightest
minds in science met at the peak of the development of quantum
mechanics to discuss their conflicting theories as to its nature.
The site of the Atomium, a monument to the future of atomic energy.
Geneva, Switzerland
The site of CERN, where scientists like Einstein, Bohr, and Heisenberg
founded particle physics in hopes to glean more observable information
from the quantum realm.
Munich, Germany
The site of Ludwigs-Maximilians University, where many of the
founders of quantum mechanics either studied or taught
Göttingen, Germany
The site of the University of Göttingen, where many of the founders of
quantum mechanics either studied or taught
Berlin, Germany
Home of Albert Einstein, who incited the foundation of quantum
mechanics with his shattering interpretation of Planck’s constant
Copenhagen, Denmark
Home of Niels Bohr and his Institute, under whom and where,
respectively, much of the development of quantum mechanics took
place
Reference:
(1) Hunt, Jonathan; Martin, J.; Rosing, V.;Winner, J.; Montgomery, H.E. Pressure-induced ionization of hydrogen: A computational project. Pending publication.
Figure 1. Plot of 1s energy in Eh versus confinement radius from 1 a0 (53
pm) to 6 a0 (318 pm) at constant barrier height V0 = 10 Eh for the
confined hydrogen atom (1)