Lucy Mensing: Forgotten Pioneer of Quantum Mechanics

Prof. Dr. Gernot Münster
Universität Münster

Lucy Mensing: Forgotten Pioneer of Quantum Mechanics

In 1925 Lucy Mensing came to Göttingen as a postdoc to work on the new matrix mechanics. She was the first to apply the theory to diatomic molecules, using the new rules for the quantization of angular momentum.

As a by-product of this work, she found that, even though in general both integer and half-integer values are allowed for angular momentum, orbital angular momentum always takes on integer values. Impressed by her clear and masterful treatment of the problem, Pauli invited her to work with him on the polarizability of gases. In this paper, we present Mensing's pioneering work and give a brief account of her life and career, the latter ending in 1930 when she married and started a family.

Gastgeber: Dr. Georg Bergner

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