663 Open Class (2/2)

…The discovery of the cathode ray, the confirmation of electrons, the revelation of the internal structure of atoms, the verification of protons, the proposition of the new alchemy… The wave-particle duality that was extrapolated from light to all the microscopic particles, the disagreement between many experiments in the microscopic domain with reality, the design of matrix mechanics, the explanation of the wave function, and the debate caused by the explanation and the wave-particle duality, as well as the opinions that different grand arcanists and senior-rank arcanists held. All the information was introduced to the attendees clearly by Lucien.

There wasn't any difficult calculation or knowledge. Having a general understanding about the microscopic domain, they were fascinated and forgot the passage of time.

”Mr. Evans has introduced all the explanations unbiasedly. He even analyzes why there is disagreement. He never says that his theory is absolutely correct and the other theories are worthless.” Dieppe nodded in admiration. Mr. Evans' arcana attitude was absolutely healthy, considering that he had accomplished so many achievements at such a young age.

Very soon, Lucien finished the general introduction. He smiled at everyone. ”This concludes the first part of my lecture. Here, I would like to remind you that, although I tried to avoid the intricate mathematics in my previous narration, what we can and only can depend on is mathematics and experiments in the microscopic domain.”

Heidi and her friends of the Atom Institution were not surprised at Lucien's speech, because it was what their teacher had repetitively told them. As for the arcanists who were not taught by Lucien, they understood the importance of mathematics, but they did not understand why it was so important.

Looking around, Lucien said solemnly, ”The microscopic domain is a world that we cannot directly observe with the naked eye. All methods of observation we have so far will inevitably influence it and result in the most peculiar phenomena, which will be answered by different explanations and theoretical models. At first look, all of them seem to make sense.”

”However, I'd like to point out that, in the microscopic domain, where our experience in the past is no longer applicable and where the methodology we are used to errs, all the explanations and theoretical models must be strictly built on mathematics. Otherwise, there will be no explanations or hypotheses, but illusions and fantasies!”

”Math doesn't lie…” Neeshka said in a low voice. Lucien's confidence and his words at that time left him an unforgettable impression.

Lucien's solemn attitude woke up most of the arcanists, who gained a deeper understanding about the importance of mathematics in the microscopic domain.

”I believe that you are all somewhat suspicious about the wave-particle duality of the electron, about the cloud of probabilities that is ubiquitous in space, and about whether or not the electron can pass two slits simultaneously…” Lucien suddenly brought up the question.

Most of the arcanists nodded their heads quickly. It was the most difficult and controversial problem so far. Annick and Lucien's other students, however, all widened their eyes. They knew their teacher too well. Things were certainly not as simple as that!

”Has our teacher finished the preparation of the double-slit experiment with electrons?” After a brief silence, Heidi quickly recalled the project that their teacher had been busy with. It would be an important confirmation of the electron's wave-particle duality!

Annick and Sprint had lost interest in talking with her. They focused their eyes on the podium, waiting for their teacher's next sentence with pounding hearts.

After a long pause, Lucien said, ”We will have a five-minute break. Then, I will present to you the double-slit experiment with electrons.”

”What”? Exclamations of shock echoed in the classroom. Such an important experiment was to be presented on such an occasion?

After the initial shock, they soon grew excited. Would they be witnesses of history and miracles?

Lucien did not talk to them anymore. He simply brought out a common metal plate which did not seem to have any slit. Or rather, the slits were too small to be observed.

”Such tiny slits need months of engraving even with legendary magic.” The arcanists whispered to each other. Some of them hurried to inform their teachers to join the gala. They believed that archmages wouldn't be stopped.

Alchemical devices were brought out by Lucien one after another. Very soon, a platform to confirm the double-slit interference of electrons was established. In the meantime, Lucien extracted the image of the sensor screen with other magic circles and projected it to a wall after magnification.

At this moment, Brook and Oliver, two grand arcanists, arrived. They were not surprised that Lucien had completed the metal plate that the double-slit experiment needed earlier than they did. After all, he was an expert close to level three of legendary himself and the unquestionable No. 1 authority in the microscopic domain.

They could've waited for the final result of the experiment, but the pursuit for arcana and truth had prompted them to stand in the classroom to witness it in person without bothering about their own identity.

After a minute, Douglas was there, Fernando was there, Hellen was there, Hathaway was there, and so were the other legendary sorcerers and archmages.

Lowering his head and hiding his eyes, Lucien let out an inaudible bitter chuckle. Then, he opened his eyes and walked to the experiment device. ”In the next, we are going to have the double-slit experiment with electrons.”