Adiabatic theorem
Teorema adiabático
- Date
- 1928 · confidence high
- Place
- Göttingen, Germany
- Credited to
- Max Born and Vladimir Fock
- Field
- Cosmos & Earth
What was discovered
The adiabatic theorem, in quantum mechanics, states that a quantum system subjected to gradually changing external conditions adapts by keeping its functional form, without transitions between states; if the change is abrupt, there is not enough time for that adaptation. It was formulated by Max Born and Vladimir Fock in 1928.
What it led to
- Theoretical basis of adiabatic quantum computing
- Tool for calculating quantum transitions in molecular physics
- Foundation of the Born–Oppenheimer approximation in quantum chemistry