John Clauser: “What a waste of time, now start doing some real physics!” | Summary and Q&A

Summary

In this video, John Clauser, a Nobel laureate, is interviewed about his work on testing Bell's theorems in the laboratory. He shares insights into his journey, including the challenges he faced and the skepticism he encountered from fellow physicists like Feynman. Despite the initial doubts, Clauser persevered and conducted successful experiments, albeit with limited resources. He also discusses the tradition of scavenging equipment and materials to make the most out of what was available. Overall, Clauser's story is a testament to the importance of curiosity, determination, and resourcefulness in scientific research.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did John Clauser get the idea to test Bell's theorems in the laboratory?

John Clauser had the idea independently, but it was inspired by the work of Adirushimon and Michael Horne. He wrote an abstract and gave a talk at a physical society meeting, where he met Stuart Friedman and collaborated with him on the first experimental proposal to test Bell's theorems.

Q: How did Feynman and Clauser's faculty at Columbia react to his proposal?

Feynman and Clauser's faculty at Columbia were initially dismissive and skeptical of the idea. In fact, Feynman even threw Clauser out of his office, as he was offended by the suggestion that quantum mechanics might not provide accurate predictions. Despite the discouragement, Clauser found support from Charlie Townes and Howard Shugart at Cal Berkeley, who helped him conduct the experiments.

Q: Why did Clauser struggle to find a job after his groundbreaking experiments?

Clauser had difficulty finding a job because his groundbreaking experiments in testing Bell's theorems had not yet been widely recognized or valued by the scientific community. As a result, many institutions were not interested in hiring him. He eventually ended up working at Livermore Lab, conducting controlled fusion plasma physics experiments.

Q: Did Clauser face financial challenges while conducting his experiments?

Yes, Clauser faced financial challenges while conducting his experiments. He had very little funding and had to build everything from scratch. Lack of resources led Clauser and his colleague, Stuart Friedman, to scavenge materials and equipment from storerooms. They had to be resourceful and creative to make the most out of what was available.

Q: Were other famous physicists also known for scavenging equipment and materials?

Yes, other famous physicists, such as Oppenheimer and Lawrence, were also known for scavenging equipment and materials. Clauser mentions that it was a great tradition and even recalls seeing equipment labeled "no bloody good" by Oliver Smithies, a medicine laureate. This tradition of making use of unused items in storerooms is a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of scientists.

Takeaways

John Clauser's journey from testing Bell's theorems to becoming a Nobel laureate showcases the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and resourcefulness in scientific research. Despite initial skepticism and limited resources, Clauser pursued his groundbreaking experiments and made significant contributions to the field. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring scientists, highlighting the need to challenge established beliefs, overcome obstacles, and make the most out of the available resources.