Meeting with a researcher with a free and open mind, the mathematician Nalini Anantharanam, appointed professor at the Collège de France in the new chair of spectral geometry. So how does the geometry of objects influence wave propagation? And why is it mathematical and quantum?
Her specialty, if indeed this unclassifiable researcher, winner of the most prestigious prizes, internationally recognized and appreciated for the eclecticism of her work, can only be summarized in a single field of research. Because, Nalini likes to explore all avenues and make the link between mathematics and quantum physics, spectrum physics or celestial mechanics, to better understand what are called chaotic dynamic systems at all scales. She is particularly interested in the influence of object geometry on wave propagation.
How to hear the shape of a drum? Question that sounds like a riddle or a Zen koan inspired by a famous article by mathematician Mark Kac: “Can we hear the shape of a drum? “. To meditate and discover together.
With Nalini AnantharamanFrench mathematician, professor at the Collège de France since October 2022, holder of the chair of spectral geometry.