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I will first discuss the mechanical example of a mass-spring system
coupled to an infinite string (H. Lamb 1900). I will show how physical
principles allow us to write a mathematical model for it and how
mathematical methods lead us to the (unique) solution of the problem
which predicts that the oscillations in the mass-spring system will
die out, it's entire energy being moved towards infinity by the
string. Then I will discuss how similar, radiation damping, phenomena
occur whenever oscillators interact with waves for example in
transmission of information through optical fibers, or in quantum
mechanics, or in Bose-Einstein Condensates.
Pizza will be served.
interacting waves
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