Erik Verlinde
Encyclopedia
Erik Peter Verlinde is a Dutch
theoretical physicist
and string theorist
. He is the identical twin brother of physicist Herman Verlinde
. The Verlinde formula, which is important in conformal field theory
and topological field theory, is named after him. His research deals with string theory, gravity, black hole
s and cosmology
. Currently he works at the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Amsterdam.
At a symposium at the Dutch Spinoza-institute on 8 December 2009 he introduced a theory of Entropic gravity. In this theory gravity exists because of a difference in concentration of information in the empty space between two masses and its surroundings; he also extrapolates this to General Relativity
and quantum mechanics
. He said in an interview with the newspaper de Volkskrant
, "On the smallest level Newton's laws don't apply, but they do for apples and planets. You can compare this to pressure of gas. Molecules themselves don't have any pressure, but a barrel of gas has." It appears that Verlinde's approach to explaining gravity leads naturally to the correct observed strength of dark energy
. In June 2011, he was awarded the prestigious Spinoza Prize with a 2.5 million euro grant for this work, including his paper.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
theoretical physicist
Theoretical physics
Theoretical physics is a branch of physics which employs mathematical models and abstractions of physics to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena...
and string theorist
String theory
String theory is an active research framework in particle physics that attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity. It is a contender for a theory of everything , a manner of describing the known fundamental forces and matter in a mathematically complete system...
. He is the identical twin brother of physicist Herman Verlinde
Herman Verlinde
Herman Louis Verlinde is a Dutch theoretical physicist and string theorist. He is a professor at Princeton University. He is also the identical twin brother of Erik Verlinde.-External links:**...
. The Verlinde formula, which is important in conformal field theory
Conformal field theory
A conformal field theory is a quantum field theory that is invariant under conformal transformations...
and topological field theory, is named after him. His research deals with string theory, gravity, black hole
Black hole
A black hole is a region of spacetime from which nothing, not even light, can escape. The theory of general relativity predicts that a sufficiently compact mass will deform spacetime to form a black hole. Around a black hole there is a mathematically defined surface called an event horizon that...
s and cosmology
Cosmology
Cosmology is the discipline that deals with the nature of the Universe as a whole. Cosmologists seek to understand the origin, evolution, structure, and ultimate fate of the Universe at large, as well as the natural laws that keep it in order...
. Currently he works at the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Amsterdam.
At a symposium at the Dutch Spinoza-institute on 8 December 2009 he introduced a theory of Entropic gravity. In this theory gravity exists because of a difference in concentration of information in the empty space between two masses and its surroundings; he also extrapolates this to General Relativity
General relativity
General relativity or the general theory of relativity is the geometric theory of gravitation published by Albert Einstein in 1916. It is the current description of gravitation in modern physics...
and quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics, also known as quantum physics or quantum theory, is a branch of physics providing a mathematical description of much of the dual particle-like and wave-like behavior and interactions of energy and matter. It departs from classical mechanics primarily at the atomic and subatomic...
. He said in an interview with the newspaper de Volkskrant
De Volkskrant
de Volkskrant is a national daily Dutch morning newspaper, the leading centre-left broadsheet, although now in tabloid size.-History:...
, "On the smallest level Newton's laws don't apply, but they do for apples and planets. You can compare this to pressure of gas. Molecules themselves don't have any pressure, but a barrel of gas has." It appears that Verlinde's approach to explaining gravity leads naturally to the correct observed strength of dark energy
Dark energy
In physical cosmology, astronomy and celestial mechanics, dark energy is a hypothetical form of energy that permeates all of space and tends to accelerate the expansion of the universe. Dark energy is the most accepted theory to explain recent observations that the universe appears to be expanding...
. In June 2011, he was awarded the prestigious Spinoza Prize with a 2.5 million euro grant for this work, including his paper.