Louis de Broglie
Proposed the wave nature of electrons and suggested that all matter has wave-like properties.
Most quoted
"The fundamental idea of my thesis was the following: The experiment of Young, the diffraction of X-rays, the photoelectric effect, the Compton effect, all these phenomena show that light has a dual nature, sometimes wave, sometimes corpuscle. Why should not matter also have a dual nature?"
— from Nobel Lecture, 1929
"The idea of wave-particle duality, which is at the heart of quantum mechanics, was born from the realization that light, previously considered a wave, also exhibits particle-like properties, and conversely, matter, previously considered particles, also exhibits wave-like properties."
— from General writings/lectures
"In space-time, everything which for each of us constitutes the past, the present, and the future is given in block... Each observer, as his time passes, discovers, so to speak, new slices of space-time which appear to him as successive aspects of the material world."
— from The Revolution in Physics
All quotes by Louis de Broglie (397)
Particles borrow their paths from accompanying waves.
The scientist's joy is in unraveling nature's veils.
Duality is the essence of modern physics.
Reflection on failure fuels innovation.
Waves of probability shape our world.
The microphysical realm defies everyday logic.
Harmony in science mirrors cosmic order.
Every experiment is a dialogue with nature.
Aging brings clarity to past discoveries.
The photon and electron share wave-particle kinship.
Persistence defines the true researcher.
Quantum mechanics invites philosophical inquiry.
Matter waves extend the light wave legacy.
In solitude, ideas on waves crystallized.
Causality must underpin quantum laws.
Science evolves through bold hypotheses.
The universe's fabric is woven from dual threads.
Electrons surf on their de Broglie waves.
Legacy is measured in inspired minds.
Witty remark: Even waves can be unpredictable!
Contemporaries of Louis de Broglie
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Louis de Broglie (1892–1987).