To see a world in a grain of sand

TL;DR

This paper explores how solid state physics, traditionally focused on materials like silicon and sand, can provide profound insights into fundamental questions in physics such as quantum mechanics, relativity, and black holes.

Contribution

It proposes a novel perspective linking solid state physics to foundational issues in physics, suggesting new ways to approach these big questions.

Findings

Solid state physics offers deep insights into fundamental physics.

Sand grains and semiconductors can model complex physical phenomena.

The approach bridges microscopic materials and cosmic-scale questions.

Abstract

Throughout John Wheeler's career, he wrestled with big issues like the fundamental length, the black hole and the unification of quantum mechanics and relativity. In this essay, I argue that solid state physics -- historically the study of silicon, semiconductors and sand grains -- can give surprisingly deep insights into the big questions of the world.