Erwin Schrödinger Biography

Known for his contribution in the theory of matter and quantum mechanics, Erwin Schrodinger was an Austrian theoretical physicist who shared the Nobel Prize in physics with P.A.M. Dirac. In his years in ‘Akademisches Gymnasium’, Erwin showed varied interest in scientific disciplines, ancient grammar and German poetry. In the University of Vienna, he was tutored by Fritz Hasenohrl and gained valuable knowledge in eigenvalue problems. Later, together with K.W.F Kohlrausch and as an assistant of Franz Exner, he carried on his study in experimental physics. During World War I, he worked as an artillery officer and after the war he embarked on an academic career. Schrodinger’s stay in the ‘University of Zurich’ was his most fruitful period in theoretical physics which ultimately culminated in his greatest discovery, Schrodinger’s wave equation. His move to Berlin, as Planck’s successor was strategic, but short-lived with Hitler coming to power. Erwin continued to shift to different universities, and when his homeland Austria was annexed after World War II, he was in a difficult position and thus had to escape to Italy. After years of relocation, Erwin finally settled in ‘Advanced Studies of Dublin’ where he continued to teach till his retirement. Erwin however took an honorary position in Vienna after his retirement.