The electron phenomenon now termed Bohm diffusion was discovered during postgraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley. This finding marked the beginning of a complex career that spanned three continents and bridged the fields of theoretical physics, plasma studies, and the philosophy of mind through an unwavering focus on the underlying nature of physical reality.
Early Education and Research
Born in 1917 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, David Bohm progressed through local schooling before attending Pennsylvania State College. He later spent one year at the California Institute of Technology. His doctorate in physics was completed at the University of California, Berkeley, under the guidance of Robert Oppenheimer. During this period, his research on proton and deuteron collisions provided essential data for the Manhattan Project's uranium enrichment efforts.
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Following World War II, Bohm secured an assistant professorship at Princeton University, where he also collaborated with Albert Einstein. His previous involvement in union activities and political organizations drew the attention of the House Un-American Activities Committee. After refusing to testify against colleagues in 1949, he faced federal investigation and eventual dismissal from Princeton. These pressures forced him to relocate, leading to his time at the University of São Paulo in Brazil.
Quantum Theory and Philosophical Contributions
Bohm gained early recognition for his 1951 publication, Quantum Theory. However, he grew dissatisfied with conventional interpretations of quantum mechanics, eventually developing the De Broglie–Bohm theory. His work sought a deterministic alternative to standard models, proposing concepts like implicate and explicate order. He explored the intersection of quantum effects and brain function, suggesting that thought processes might operate on similar non-local principles.
International Appointments
Over the course of his professional life, Bohm held teaching positions across several international institutions. Beyond his time in the United States and Brazil, he contributed to the physics departments at the Technion in Israel and the University of Bristol. He concluded his career at Birkbeck, University of London, and was eventually elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of his significant influence on the discipline.
Fast facts
- Born: 1917, Wilkes-Barre
- Died: 1992, London
- Citizenship: United States, United Kingdom, Brazil
- Doctorate: University of California, Berkeley
- Notable Recognition: Fellow of the Royal Society
- Award: Elliott Cresson Medal (1991)
Questions readers ask
What was Bohm diffusion?
It is an electron phenomenon discovered by David Bohm while he was a postgraduate student studying plasmas at Berkeley.
Why did Bohm leave the United States?
Following an investigation by the House Un-American Activities Committee and his subsequent dismissal from Princeton University, he accepted a professorship at the University of São Paulo.
Achievements
- Fellow of the Royal Society
- Held posts at Birkbeck, University of London, Princeton University and Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
- Educated at California Institute of Technology, G. A. R. Memorial Junior Senior High School and University of Bristol
- Fields of research: physics, quantum physics and quantum theory
