Dear Colleagues,

In 1923, Louis de Broglie published the first articles [1–3] theoretically demonstrating how to extend the wave particle duality (discovered by Einstein for photons in 1905) to any material particles, such as electrons, protons or neutrons. This seminal work provided the foundation that paved the way for modern quantum mechanics as developed by Schrodinger, and independently by Heisenberg and subsequently Dirac. Wave mechanics, as it was named by de Broglie, was confirmed by many experiments realized over the years with more and more massive particles such as macromolecules or even Bose–Einstein condensates. At the same time, it is well known that de Broglie was not satisfied with the current form of quantum mechanics. Already in 1927, he proposed two alternative theories: pilot wave theory (rediscovered by David Bohm in 1952) and double-solution theory (where particles are defined as “solitons” solutions of nonlinear wave equations). Like Einstein or Schrodinger (and later John Bell). de Broglie disliked the fact that quantum mechanics is fundamentally indeterministic. Most of all, he wanted a theory where the famous mysteries of quantum mechanics are deciphered and where observers are not playing a central role in the interpretation (i.e., a bit like in classical physics).

For this Symmetry Special Issue celebrating the anniversary of de Broglie’s work, different views of the legacy of his discoveries and ideas would be discussed. Contributions emphasizing the experimental and technological consequences of his work are also welcome. Theoretical and historical works concerning quantum foundations and/or discussing alternative interpretations of quantum mechanics (not necessarily agreeing with the credo of de Broglie) are perfectly suited to this Special Issue. In particular, de Broglie–Bohm like theories (deterministic or stochastic) and models of particles using solitons will be favored. Finally, hydrodynamical or mechanical analogies could be discussed. 

[1] Louis de Broglie, Comptes rendus, Vol. 177, 1923, pp. 507-510
[2] Louis de Broglie, Comptes rendus, Vol. 177, 1923, pp. 548-560
[3] Louis de Broglie, Comptes rendus, Vol. 177, 1923, pp. 630-632

Dr. Aurélien Drezet
Guest Editor

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• quantum matter waves
• quantum mechanics
• quantum foundations
• hydrodynamical
• mechanical
• nonlinear wave equations