A note on light dispersion formula and the development of modern physics

B. Carazza

G. Guidetti

N. Robotti

pp. 93-104

in: Claudio Garola, Arcangelo Rossi (eds), The foundations of quantum mechanics, Berlin, Springer, 1995

Abstract

This paper analyses the role of the dispersion formula in relation to the development of modern physics. After proving to be a decisive factor in the debate on the nature of X-rays, the dispersion problem highlighted the limits of the old quantum theory and played a vital role in the conceptual process that led to the formulation of Matrix Mechanics. The historical account presented in this paper enables us to comment on the meaning of Quantum Mechanics as it is normally interpreted.