Vladimir Fock

1898–1974 · quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, mathematical physics

An outstanding Soviet theoretical physicist who made fundamental contributions to quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. He created mathematical formalism that became the basis for describing many-particle systems and processes of particle creation and annihilation. His ideas about Fock space and states with a definite number of particles permeate all modern physics of the microworld.

Biography

Graduated from Petrograd University, trained in Göttingen under Max Born. Worked at Leningrad University, headed the Department of Theoretical Physics. Participated in the development of quantum mechanics in the USSR, educated a galaxy of students. Corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences.

Key discoveries

Fock states — a basis for describing quantized fields with a definite number of particles. Fock space — a mathematical construction
underlying second quantization. Hartree-Fock method — an approximate approach to the many-electron problem in atoms and molecules. Klein-Gordon-Fock equation — a relativistic generalization of the wave equation.

💡 Fock introduced the concept of Fock space, which is a cornerstone of quantum field theory, during his stay in Göttingen, where he worked with Born.

"He argued that classical determinism has no place in quantum mechanics."

Concepts

Quantum Field

Scientists

Satyendra Nath Bose Emilio Gino Segrè Paul Dirac Peter Higgs Richard Feynman Werner Heisenberg Frank Wilczek Julian Schwinger

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Vladimir Fock

Biography

Key discoveries

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