Boltzmann and the Bridge Between Two Worlds
Channel: Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHÉS)
Date: 2022-01-20

In the 19th century, Ludwig Boltzmann used atomic theory to explain thermodynamics, thereby creating a new field of physics called statistical mechanics. His work was initially controversial but has since become deeply influential because it touches on the nature of entropy, information and time. Later, with his sixth problem, David Hilbert challenged mathematicians to figure out how to use the Boltzmann equation to connect atoms with the everyday world of fluids and gases. The innovative work of Laure Saint-Raymond is successfully meeting Hilbert’s challenge.

Credits:
Narrator: Steve Mirsky

Animation Production: ANIMADOCS
Director/Producer: Maria Stanisheva
Design/Animation: Adam Wells
Music/Sound Design: Timothy Bright

Executive Producer: Philip Yam

©2021 Simons Foundation

Photos:
Oscar Lanford: George M.Bergman
people.math.harvard.edu/~knill/history/lanford/mfo/index.html

Laure Saint-Raymond: Sébastien Ruat/CNRS

Tombstone: Marcela Bona/Flickr

flic.kr/p/bc5GLr