# David Bohm

> American theoretical physicist

**Wikidata**: [Q310765](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q310765)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Bohm)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-bohm

## Summary
David Bohm was an American theoretical physicist recognized for his significant contributions to quantum theory. He is particularly known for developing the De Broglie–Bohm theory, an interpretation of quantum mechanics, and for co-discovering the Aharonov–Bohm effect. Bohm's work spanned physics, philosophy, and education, making him a notable figure in the scientific community.

## Biography
- Born: December 20, 1917
- Died: October 27, 1992
- Nationality: United States, Brazil, United Kingdom
- Education: University of California, Berkeley; California Institute of Technology; Princeton University; University of Bristol
- Known for: De Broglie–Bohm theory, Aharonov–Bohm effect, quantum physics, quantum theory
- Employer(s): University of São Paulo; Birkbeck, University of London; Princeton University; Technion – Israel Institute of Technology; University of Bristol; University of California, Berkeley
- Field(s): Physics, quantum physics, quantum theory

## Contributions
David Bohm made significant theoretical advancements in quantum mechanics. His most notable contributions include:
*   **De Broglie–Bohm theory**: He developed this interpretation of quantum mechanics, which posits the existence of hidden variables guiding particle behavior.
*   **Aharonov–Bohm effect**: Co-discovered with Yakir Aharonov, this electromagnetic quantum-mechanical effect demonstrates that a charged particle is affected by electromagnetic potentials even when it is confined to a region where the magnetic and electric fields are zero.
These works advanced the understanding of quantum physics and quantum theory.

## FAQs
*   **Who was David Bohm?**
    David Bohm was an American theoretical physicist. He was also recognized as a philosopher, university teacher, and nuclear physicist, holding citizenships in the United States, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.

*   **What were David Bohm's main contributions to physics?**
    David Bohm's primary contributions to physics include the development of the De Broglie–Bohm theory, an interpretation of quantum mechanics, and the co-discovery of the Aharonov–Bohm effect, an electromagnetic quantum-mechanical phenomenon. His work significantly impacted quantum physics and quantum theory.

*   **Where did David Bohm pursue his education?**
    David Bohm received his education at several prominent institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, the California Institute of Technology, Princeton University, and the University of Bristol.

*   **Which institutions employed David Bohm during his career?**
    Throughout his career, David Bohm was employed by the University of São Paulo, Birkbeck, University of London, Princeton University, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, the University of Bristol, and the University of California, Berkeley.

*   **What awards and recognitions did David Bohm receive?**
    David Bohm was recognized for his scientific achievements by being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. He also received the Elliott Cresson Medal, an American award conferred by the Franklin Institute.

*   **Who influenced David Bohm's work?**
    David Bohm was influenced by Albert Einstein, a German-born theoretical physicist known for his theory of relativity.

## Why They Matter
David Bohm matters due to his profound and unconventional contributions to the foundations of quantum mechanics, which challenged prevailing interpretations and opened new avenues for understanding reality. His De Broglie–Bohm theory, also known as Bohmian mechanics, offered a deterministic and realist alternative to the Copenhagen interpretation, influencing discussions on the nature of quantum reality and the role of hidden variables. The Aharonov–Bohm effect, which he co-discovered, demonstrated a fundamental aspect of quantum electromagnetism, showing that potentials, not just fields, have physical significance, thereby expanding the understanding of quantum-mechanical interactions. Beyond his specific theories, Bohm's interdisciplinary approach as a theoretical physicist, philosopher, and university teacher fostered a broader intellectual discourse, encouraging critical thinking about the implications of scientific discoveries. His work continues to be a reference point for researchers exploring foundational questions in quantum physics and the relationship between physics and consciousness.

## Notable For
*   Developing the De Broglie–Bohm theory, an interpretation of quantum mechanics.
*   Co-discovering the Aharonov–Bohm effect, an electromagnetic quantum-mechanical phenomenon.
*   Being a theoretical physicist, philosopher, university teacher, and nuclear physicist.
*   Being a Fellow of the Royal Society.
*   Receiving the Elliott Cresson Medal.
*   His work in quantum physics and quantum theory.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
David Bohm was born on December 20, 1917. He pursued his higher education at several distinguished institutions. He studied at the University of California, Berkeley, the California Institute of Technology, and Princeton University. Additionally, he was educated at the University of Bristol.

### Academic Career and Roles
David Bohm held multiple citizenships, including that of the United States, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. His professional career saw him employed by a range of universities and research institutions across different countries. He worked at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, Birkbeck, University of London in the United Kingdom, Princeton University in the United States, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Israel, the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, and the University of California, Berkeley in the United States. Throughout his career, Bohm was recognized for his diverse roles as a theoretical physicist, a philosopher, a university teacher, and a nuclear physicist. His primary fields of work included physics, quantum physics, and quantum theory.

### Major Theoretical Contributions
Bohm's most significant contributions lie in the realm of quantum theory. He is credited with the development of the **De Broglie–Bohm theory**, which offers an alternative interpretation of quantum mechanics. This theory, also known as Bohmian mechanics, proposes a deterministic framework for quantum phenomena. Another pivotal contribution was the co-discovery of the **Aharonov–Bohm effect**. This effect describes how a charged particle can be influenced by electromagnetic potentials even in regions where there are no local magnetic or electric fields, demonstrating a non-local aspect of quantum mechanics. These theoretical advancements significantly deepened the understanding of quantum physics.

### Awards and Recognition
For his scientific achievements, David Bohm was honored with prestigious awards and memberships. He was elected as a **Fellow of the Royal Society**, an English learned society for science. He also received the **Elliott Cresson Medal**, an American award conferred by the Franklin Institute, which was first awarded in 1875.

### Intellectual Influences
David Bohm's intellectual development and work were notably influenced by Albert Einstein, a German-born theoretical physicist renowned for his theory of relativity.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. [Source](https://www.fi.edu/en/laureates/david-bohm)
5. Mathematics Genealogy Project
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