harmonic oscillator

Scientific  

1. A physical system in which some value oscillates above and below a mean value at one or more characteristic frequencies. Such systems often arise when a contrary force results from displacement from a force-neutral position, and gets stronger in proportion to the amount of displacement. For example, pulling or pushing the end of a spring from its rest position results in a force pushing back toward the rest position. Letting the spring go from a position of tension results in harmonic motion of the spring; the spring is now a harmonic oscillator. Other examples include a swinging pendulum, a vibrating violin string, or an electronic circuit that produces radio waves.

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Example Sentences

On the other hand, there are quantum features that have infinitely many distinguishable states, such as the position of a quantum harmonic oscillator — the quantum-mechanical version of a mass suspended on a spring.

From Nature

Flühmann and colleagues have succeeded in this endeavour by preparing a quantum harmonic oscillator in a state that resembles a GKP-encoded qubit.

From Nature

While mathematicians in other conference rooms discussed “Lyapunov Exponents in Non-Archimedean Dynamics” and “Nodal Sets of Random Eigenfunctions of the Harmonic Oscillator,” Ibrahim gave his presentation, “Joint Mathematics: Lessons from a Marijuana License Lottery.”

From The New Yorker

A typical phenomenon that is studied in introductory physics is the harmonic oscillator.

From Science Magazine