Electrical engineers use quantum mechanics for applications?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the role of quantum mechanics in electrical engineering applications, particularly in relation to solid state devices and the mathematical frameworks used by electrical engineers. Participants explore the extent to which advanced physics is integrated into electrical engineering practices and the relevance of various mathematical concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that quantum mechanics is indeed used by electrical engineers, especially in solid state device modeling and at the research level.
  • Others argue that the use of quantum mechanics in electrical engineering is not as prevalent as it might seem, suggesting that many applications rely on simulation tools that embed quantum principles rather than requiring engineers to engage with quantum mechanics directly.
  • There is a mention of the overlap between electrical engineering and fields like medical physics and accelerator physics, which may involve advanced electromagnetic theory and quantum mechanics.
  • Some participants note that while advanced mathematics such as Banach spaces, groups, rings, fields, and Lie algebra can be relevant, their use varies significantly depending on the specific area of electrical engineering.
  • One participant highlights that in certain mundane tasks within electrical engineering, programming skills may not be as critical, with examples of older programming languages still in use for specific applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the extent to which quantum mechanics is utilized in electrical engineering, with some asserting its importance and others suggesting a decline in direct engagement due to advancements in simulation tools. There is no consensus on the necessity of advanced mathematics across all areas of electrical engineering.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying levels of engagement with quantum mechanics and advanced mathematics among electrical engineers, indicating that the relevance of these topics may depend on specific subfields and technological advancements.

kramer733
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That's what a friend told me atleast. He said that electrical engineers are starting to use way more advance physics for applications. And if this is true, what are the applications of it in the eyes of a electrical engineer?

Also, do electrical engineers use mathematics such as banach space, groups, rings, fields and lie algebra?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hardly.
 
Yes, quantum mechanics is used by electrical engineers for applications, definitely in solid state device modelling.

kramer733 said:
He said that electrical engineers are starting to use way more advance physics for applications.

At the research level, yes. But it's obviously not going to be as advanced or deeply theoretical as theoretical physics itself. Medical physics, accelerator physics, solid state physics routinely overlap with electrical engineering, and parts of those EE streams do involve a fair amount of 'advanced' EM theory, and (in the case of solid state devices and microelectronics) quantum mechanics.

kramer733 said:
Also, do electrical engineers use mathematics such as banach space, groups, rings, fields and lie algebra?

I know a few signal processing and network theorists who have tried to involve these things in their work (for good reason). Some parts of Lie algebra are used in control systems theory, as is differential geometry.
 
How proefficient do i have to be in programming if i want to be an electrical engineer?
 
kramer733 said:
How proefficient do i have to be in programming if i want to be an electrical engineer?

Depends on the area. Programming is extremely useful but there are many areas where you don't need so much skill. In semiconductor manufacturing, they still use BASIC for programing most manufacturing test, for example.
 
I was referring to the more mundane EE tasks. Of course, the more advanced technologies would necessitate the use of some QM.
 
For starters, take a look at the book 'From Atom to Transistor' by Supriyo Datta.
 
I would say generally EEs do less QM than they used to because of the improvement of simulation and modeling tools. So, a lot of the QM is embedded in the tools. It's a bit like asking if EEs solve a lot of differential equations. Circuit designers do that all day, in a sense, but really it is the simulator solving them. The engineers are working at a higher level of abstraction.
 

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