Arthur E. Haas, from the Atom to the Cosmos—Struggles for a Scientific Career in the Early 20th Century

A young physicist, Arthur E. Haas, the last Ph.D. student of Ludwig Boltzmann, wanted to explain Planck constant but derived Bohr radius, 3 years before Niels Bohr. He did not write it down since that was his goal. Twenty later, he searched for correlation between forces universe, instead GUT (Grand Unified Theory) became numerology. This article follows quest meaning fundamental constants. great deal can be learned about obstacles progress from history these neglected ideas. An interesting case is Viennese physicist Haas who in 1910 partly anticipated published a theory hydrogen spectrum based on quantization J. Thomson's atom model: Rutherford's model yet exist. appears have been first introduce Planck's quantum action into atomic with view deriving spectral In spite use model, almost succeeded derivation […] seems quite possible indirectly influenced taken seriously because naively confused branches knowledge could anything do each other, such as (as something related heat) and spectroscopy optics). following we want provide short overview scientific goals achievements at time when both physics well cosmology were theories their infancy. The early ideas often driven by personal beliefs 19th century unimpeded rigid laws govern applications today. one physicists contributed speculations developments. work much more detailed biography life accomplishments author.[2] born wealthy Jewish family. His father an industry lawyer study law continue practice, chose chemistry instead. With exception impressed teachers Vienna switched Göttingen after 2 years. Once there, appreciate German culture returned Vienna, hoping earn degree working was, however, already struggling deep depression. eventually thesis physics, Antique Theories Light, which highly praised philosophers, like Friedrich Jodl (1849–1914) Laurenz Müllner (1848–1911) less appreciated colleagues Viktor von Lang (1838–1921) Franz-Serafin Exner (1849–1926). Motivated this success, tried only later habilitated topic Erhaltung der Kraft (conservation energy), claiming idea had its origin classical Greek natural philosophy. objected, suggesting might add modern habilitation work. initially outraged then—albeit some reluctance—he systematically studied latest literature identified radiation most tempting challenging question (Figure 1). Through studies become very familiar heat various efforts black body proposed solution Max (1858–1947). formula able exactly reproduce spectra bodies over entire frequency range all temperatures. achieved requiring energy changed resonators emitting small packages E = h × ν. proportionality given value 6.548 10−27 erg s, no identified. considered purely theoretical concept offered explanation, neither nor nature resonators.[3] new. recognized importance decided identify physical mathematical construct. formalism worked, him remained: What constant? role physics? how constant. From electromagnetism thermodynamics acquainted concepts always fascinated basis entropy, constants, seemed indicate forces. Haas' goal h. central part assumption resonators, maintaining balance absorption emission radiating body, relationship entropy resonator total internal system made calculate blackbody spectrum. took step, reflected left side two equations Equation (2). It occur express radius function h, dimensions fundamentally indivisible parameters. just philosophical thought, shows atom, ultimate smallest particle - postulated Democritus defining parameter deducing philosophies nature, internalized a-Tomos particle. give through mass radius. Ansatz went beyond prediction also demonstrated other quantities, Rydberg providing explanation Balmer formula. claim dismissed Hasenöhrl erroneous confusion unrelated disciplines optics. Finally, within framework ansatz, predicted ratio electron proton respective size.[6] As you will know, [Haas] among interested interpretation models, significance discovery nucleus recognized, therefore radical departure accustomed failed take step believed infallibility entity matter. never really achievements, despite being matter intense discussion Hendrik Lorentz (1853–1928) Arnold Sommerfeld (1868–1951) Solvay conference.[8] Ernest Rutherford (1871–1937) present debate Cavendish, told visitor what said. may realized decisive towards formulation atom.[9] Compton Effect 1922[10] initiated new redirected Haas’ interest implications cosmology. earlier cosmological point view, used arguments, limitations provided timescales set radioactivity, underline tenet universe must finite.[11] Compton's discovery, articles relevance cosmology: note conversion light matter,[12] way generate mass-less universe. revolutionary thought dominated Primeval Atom formulated Canon Georges Lemaître (1894–1966). presented calculation photons gaining collision relativistic particles.[13] known today inverse scattering causes high X-ray electrons outer layers holes or neutron stars. enough induce electron-positron pair production. While similar are expressed experimental cosmologies,[14] turn out generating process has for, directed thoughts back cosmos. During 1920s, emerged successful, prolific, influential textbook author, publish rapid developments during safe say books significantly successful implementation generation physicists. Besides basic Introduction Theoretical Physics,[15] Atomic Theory,[16] Material Waves Quantum Mechanics,[17] Chemistry,[18] several others explained discoveries physics. These editions, allowed remain forefront 2). However, make himself. remained questions relationships watching science stream results, participate own contributions. publication 1926 American astronomer Edwin Hubble (1889–1953) extragalactic nebulae[19] served another motivation steps field quantitative cosmology; vanity, equations, calculating finite stage cosmology, primarily Einstein de Sitter,[20] contribute, motivated universe.[11] identification stellar nebulae truly systems, Milky Way relative velocity systems respect relevant. 1929, linear velocities distances extra-galactic Way, relation, know today.[21] carried belief higher causing symmetry grand scale Cosmos saw microscopic world. convinced constants governing correlated. idea, still Grand Theory. expected find unification connection should other. reflect rules prescribe fate components. began search connections correlations. seemingly ridiculous today's many scientists combine theological thought. best example Eddington (1882–1944), leading scientist time, deeply religious man devoted Quaker, secrets hidden numbers, manifested itself last, posthumously book Fundamental Theory.[23] adopted parameters R 9.6·1026 cm M 1055 g Lemaître, empirical 560 km s−1 Mpc describing expanding numerical available relation however require correction factor 2.14, unexplained.[27] If infinite stride, Just walk every side. (Willst Du ins Unendliche schreiten, Geh nur im Endlichen nach allen Seiten.) motto guide concluded “How strange would if recognize size stepping mentally unimaginably tiny atom.” (Wie seltsam wäre es, wenn es vielleicht wirklich möglich wäre, die Größe des Alls zu erkennen, indem Gedanken ein unvorstellbar winziges durchschreitet.) Already July 1934, shortly appeared print, reviewed Nature.[31] review, described “excellent objective summary” “for experts non-experts.” chapter, outlined ideas, covered sentence: “A concluding chapter Eddington's Prof. Haas's physics.” response broader community similar; suggestions catch on, publishing updated versions Anglo-Saxon literature.[32] Like claims fine-structure number protons mere Indeed, accurate measurements arguments hopes accidental similarities rather than macro-cosmos micro-cosmos.[33] 1936, emigrated United States himself exposed threatened Nazi movement Austria. active help Albert Einstein, found position University Notre Dame. hours away Chicago soon established collaboration group. 1938, together visiting Dame organized international conference came, proved too challenge get representatives different disciplines, astronomy, understand talk occupation Austria distracted events home. years, turned effort opportunities fellow Austrians, getting permits entrance visas establishing States. November 1940, visit Chicago, suffered stroke died few weeks 1941, without regaining consciousness. author declares conflict interest.